Senate advances bills on crime‑victim notices, DNA ownership, AI in health claims, firearms orders and ID scanners; votes at a glance

The Texas Senate on March 26 took up a string of bills that lawmakers said aim to clarify rights for crime victims, create a property right in DNA, limit insurers’ use of automated decision systems in prior authorizations, restrict local "red‑flag" firearm orders and encourage ID‑scanning technology at alcohol retailers.

Senators amended and passed some measures and moved others to final consideration. The chamber’s most intensive floor debates centered on: (1) a package to clarify victims’ notice and advocate rights, (2) a bill declaring DNA a property right with a medical‑research exception, (3) new limits on insurers’ use of automated systems in adverse coverage determinations, (4) a proposal to prohibit local extreme‑risk protective orders (often called "red‑flag" orders), and (5) a proposal to allow or encourage electronic ID verification at places that sell alcohol.

Why it matters: The items cut across criminal‑justice procedure, patient protections and privacy, consumer‑facing features of insurance and retail practice, and gun‑safety debate. Several measures change how agencies, prosecutors and courts must handle evidence, notices and automated decision tools — areas that intersect with federal rules and potential litigation.

Crime‑victim notice and advocate rights

Senate Bill 761, carried on the floor by Senator Hinojosa, amended the state’s crime‑victims law to clarify timing and notice duties for prosecutors and to require that certain health‑care facilities offer victims access to trained advocates during forensic exams. Senator Hinojosa told colleagues the measure ‘‘adds clarity in the time frame and communication requirements to the crimes victims bill of rights’’ to ensure victims receive meaningful notice of court proceedings and understand the role of prosecutors.

A technical amendment addressing child‑victim language was adopted on the floor. The bill passed final reading; the clerk announced the vote as 30 ayes and 1 nay on final passage and the bill was reported finally passed to enrollment and transmission.

DNA as property right, with medical‑research carve‑out

Senate Bill 315, presented in the chamber by Senator Kolkhorst, would recognize an individual property right in that person’s DNA and create civil…