Legislative Services

Paul Coverdell Forensic Sciences Improvement Grant Program (FY2027)

The Paul Coverdell Forensic Sciences Improvement Grant Program (FY2027), administered by the Texas Office of the Governor's Public Safety Office (PSO) using federal funds, provides approximately $2 million to state agencies and local governments to enhance the quality and timeliness of forensic science and medical examiner services. Funding is primarily targeted toward eliminating backlogs in the analysis of forensic evidence (such as firearms, toxicology, and trace evidence), training forensic personnel, and addressing emerging challenges like the opioid and synthetic drug epidemic, for which 56% of the funds are typically reserved. Eligible applicants must operate a laboratory or medical examiner office accredited by a recognized body and must comply with forensic analyst licensing and misconduct reporting standards.