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Signed Into Law
Signed May 30, 2025Effective 2025-09-01
SB1620

Regular Session

Relating to the establishment of the Texas forensic analyst apprenticeship pilot program.

Government Affairs & Regulatory Compliance Analysis

SB1620: Government Affairs Overview

SB 1620 establishes a voluntary, state-subsidized workforce pipeline for publicly funded accredited crime laboratories, effective September 1, 2025. While this offers a strategic mechanism to offset staffing costs via a $1. 8 million annual allocation, participation requires laboratories to surrender autonomy over training curricula and subject their hiring practices to strict oversight by the Texas Forensic Science Commission (TFSC) and Office of Court Administration (OCA).

Sen. Joan Huffman·Senate Bill·Regular Session

Low
Low Cost
Effective:2025-09-01
Enforcing Agencies

Office of Court Administration (OCA) • Texas Forensic Science Commission (TFSC)

Business Impact

Who SB1620 Affects

This legislation has regulatory implications for the following Texas businesses and organizations:

Regulatory Priority: low

Standard regulatory changes (effective 2025-09-01). Review during normal business planning.

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Education

Affected business types:

  • School districts
  • Charter schools
  • Private schools
  • Education service providers
View all education legislation

Key Operational Considerations

  • 1Clawback Provisions: Terms dictating repayment of funds if an apprentice resigns or fails to complete the program.
  • 2Sponsorship Agreements: A separate agreement with the TFSC may be required to validate the laboratory’s eligibility to host apprentices.
  • 3Mentorship Allocation: You must designate senior analysts as mentors. Operational models must account for the billable hours/casework productivity lost by senior staff while supervising apprentices.

Estimated Cost Impact

lowMinimal cost impact anticipated.

Enforcing Agencies

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SB1620
Low
Relating to the establishment of the Texas forensic analyst apprenticeship pilot program.
Low Compliance Urgency
Requires routine attention
Cost Impact
Low
Effective
2025-09-01
Enforcing Agencies
OCATFSC
Primary Author: Sen. Joan Huffman
89th Texas Legislature
jdkey.com
01

Compliance Analysis

Key implementation requirements and action items for compliance with this legislation

Implementation Timeline

  • Effective Date: September 1, 2025
  • Compliance Deadline: Q1 2026 (Projected). Compliance obligations trigger only upon execution of a funding contract. Laboratories must have administrative structures in place prior to the opening of the application window.
  • Agency Rulemaking: The TFSC and OCA must adopt rules establishing eligibility and curriculum standards post-September 1, 2025. Expect a "regulatory gray zone" in Q4 2025 where the law is active but application protocols are undefined.

Immediate Action Plan

  • 1. Audit Vacancies: Immediately quantify projected entry-level vacancies for FY2026 and FY2027 to determine grant request size.
  • 2. Segregate Accounting: Instruct the CFO to establish a preliminary cost center for "State Grant - Apprenticeship" to ensure funds are not commingled with county/city budgets.
  • 3. Review Insurance: Verify with your carrier that "apprentices" (who may be classified as contract workers or temporary employees) are fully covered under your professional liability and errors & omissions policies.
  • 4. Engage Rulemaking: Assign a representative to attend TFSC quarterly meetings in late 2025 to advocate for the inclusion of your laboratory’s specific backlog disciplines.

Operational Changes Required

Contracts

Participation requires executing a binding performance contract with the Office of Court Administration (OCA). Legal counsel must review this document specifically for:

  • Clawback Provisions: Terms dictating repayment of funds if an apprentice resigns or fails to complete the program.
  • Sponsorship Agreements: A separate agreement with the TFSC may be required to validate the laboratory’s eligibility to host apprentices.

Hiring/Training

  • Curriculum Adoption: You cannot utilize your existing internal training program for these hires. The law requires the adoption of a specific curriculum developed by UNT Health Science Center, Sam Houston State, and Texas A&M.
  • Mentorship Allocation: You must designate senior analysts as mentors. Operational models must account for the billable hours/casework productivity lost by senior staff while supervising apprentices.
  • Classification: HR must create a specific "Forensic Analyst Apprentice" job code that aligns with state grant funding cycles (2-year limit) rather than permanent FTE status.

Reporting & Record-Keeping

  • Grant Accounting: Finance departments must segregate state apprenticeship funds from general operating budgets to facilitate OCA audits.
  • Retention Tracking: The statute mandates a focus on "long-term retention." You will be required to track and report the employment status of apprentices for a specified period post-certification.

Fees & Costs

  • Revenue Opportunity: The program allocates $1.8 million annually for laboratory contracts. This is a subsidy, not a fee.
  • Hidden Costs: The grant likely covers apprentice stipends/salaries. It is currently unclear if it covers overhead, equipment, or the "cost of mentorship" (lost productivity).

Strategic Ambiguities & Considerations

The following statutory elements are vague and will be defined during the rulemaking process. Monitor these closely:

  • "Publicly Funded" Definition: It is unclear if private laboratories executing exclusive contracts for indigent defense can qualify. Current text suggests exclusion, but rulemaking could broaden this.
  • Discipline Allocation: The TFSC will decide which forensic disciplines (e.g., DNA, Toxicology, Seized Drugs) are eligible. If your backlog is in a discipline not selected by the Commission, you will be ineligible for funds.
  • Post-Program Enforceability: The law emphasizes retention but does not explicitly authorize "bonded" employment contracts (requiring apprentices to stay or pay back training costs). We must determine if the OCA contract permits such enforcement mechanisms.

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Information presented is for general knowledge only and is provided without warranty, express or implied. Consult qualified government affairs professionals and legal counsel before making compliance decisions.

02

Legislative Timeline

This bill's path through the Texas Legislature

Filed
Feb 25, 2025
Passed Senate
Apr 22, 2025
Passed House
May 20, 2025
Signed
May 30, 2025
Effective
Sep 1, 2025
TopicsCriminal ProcedureCriminal Procedure--generalEducationEducation--higherEducation--higher--institutions & ProgramsSalaries & ExpensesScience & TechnologyForensic TestingCourt Administration, Office ofForensic Science Commission, TexasLaborLabor--workforce DevelopmentStaff Development & TrainingSam Houston State UniversityUniversity of North Texas Health Science Center At Ft. Worth
03

Senate Authors

Sen. Joan HuffmanRepublican · Primary Author
Coauthors (4)

House Sponsor

Rep. Greg BonnenRepublican · Primary Sponsor

Bill Text(with markup)

View bill text in multiple formats on Texas Legislature website

Fiscal NoteView Original

Related Legislation

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More from Sen. Joan Huffman

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Related by Topic

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Quick Reference

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about SB1620

Q

What does Texas SB1620 do?

SB 1620 establishes a voluntary, state-subsidized workforce pipeline for publicly funded accredited crime laboratories, effective September 1, 2025. While this offers a strategic mechanism to offset staffing costs via a $1. 8 million annual allocation, participation requires laboratories to surrender autonomy over training curricula and subject their hiring practices to strict oversight by the Texas Forensic Science Commission (TFSC) and Office of Court Administration (OCA).

Q

Who authored SB1620?

SB1620 was authored by Texas Senator Joan Huffman during the Regular Session.

Q

When was SB1620 signed into law?

SB1620 was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on May 30, 2025.

Q

Which agencies enforce SB1620?

SB1620 is enforced by Office of Court Administration (OCA) and Texas Forensic Science Commission (TFSC).

Q

How significant are the changes in SB1620?

The regulatory priority for SB1620 is rated as "low". Businesses and organizations should review the legislation to understand potential impacts.

Q

What is the cost impact of SB1620?

The cost impact of SB1620 is estimated as "low". This may vary based on industry and implementation requirements.

Q

What topics does SB1620 address?

SB1620 addresses topics including criminal procedure, criminal procedure--general, education, education--higher and education--higher--institutions & programs.

Q

What are the key dates for SB1620?

Key dates for SB1620: Effective date is 2025-09-01. Rulemaking: Adopt rules establishing eligibility requirements for individuals applying for apprenticeships and publicly funded accredited crime laboratories applying to sponsor them. (Post-Effective Date (No statutory deadline set)). Consult with legal counsel regarding applicability.

Q

Which Texas businesses are affected by SB1620?

SB1620 primarily affects technology companies and data processors, employers and workforce development organizations, healthcare providers and medical facilities. These businesses should review the legislation with their legal and compliance teams to understand potential impacts.

Need Strategic Guidance on This Legislation?

JD Key Consulting is an Austin, Texas-based government affairs firm led by James Dickey, former Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas. We specialize in Texas regulatory compliance and legislative strategy for data centers, energy, banking, and manufacturing.

Legislative data provided by LegiScanLast updated: January 11, 2026