State Department of Justice Suspends Grant for Assault Kit Examination Funding

The Harris County budget hearings for fiscal year 2026 took place on September 2, 2025, focusing on critical funding issues affecting local law enforcement and forensic services. The meeting began with a discussion on the examination of sexual assault kits, which are mandated by state statute to be processed within 90 days. Officials confirmed that they are currently meeting this requirement.

A significant concern raised during the meeting was the status of a long-standing federal grant that supports forensic services. Historically, the application process for this grant begins in February or March; however, this year, no application was submitted. Officials reported that they reached out to the Department of Justice and learned there are no plans to release the grant for the upcoming year. The reasons for the suspension remain unclear, attributed only to general federal grant funding issues.

The timeline for grant applications typically allows for about 30 days to submit once the application is received. However, this year, no crime lab across the country received the application, raising concerns about the impact on local forensic services.

During the question-and-answer segment, representatives from the County Judge's Office inquired about the potential impacts of proposed budget cuts and the lack of funding for service enhancement requests. Officials expressed that they anticipate a rise in caseloads, particularly due to the county's investment in additional assistant district attorneys and law enforcement personnel. They emphasized that without adequate funding, their ability to process evidence in a timely manner could be compromised, which would have a cascading effect on other criminal justice departments in the county.

The meeting underscored the critical need for sustained funding to ensure the effective operation of forensic services and the broader implications for public safety and justice in Harris County. Further discussions and decisions regarding the budget will be essential as the county moves forward.