Legislative Services

Sexual Assault Evidence Testing Grant Program (FY2027)

The Sexual Assault Evidence Testing Grant Program (FY2027), administered by the Texas Office of the Governor's Public Safety Office (PSO), provides an estimated $2 million to law enforcement agencies to cover costs associated with the forensic analysis of evidence related to sexual assault or other sex offenses. Eligible applicants—primarily units of local government that operate a law enforcement agency—must use the funds for the screening, processing, and DNA testing of Sexual Assault Kits (SAKs), with a mandatory requirement that any resulting eligible DNA profiles be uploaded to the CODIS database. The program specifically targets the reduction of evidence backlogs and requires agencies to be in compliance with the 30-day evidence submission mandate under Texas Government Code Section 420.042.