Relating to the retention of certain genetic material and genetic information by the Department of Family and Protective Services.

HB 4377 requires the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) and its contracted testing labs to destroy blood or tissue samples (genetic material) and delete genetic information after paternity testing is complete. The bill mandates that only the test results - protected as confidential under existing law - must be retained. This directly affects DFPS, its testing laboratories, and individuals who undergo paternity testing through the department. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, with all existing genetic material needing destruction by January 1, 2026.