(a) In consultation with the office, the commission by rule shall adopt eligibility requirements for:
- (1) individuals who may apply for an apprentice position under the pilot program; and
- (2) publicly funded accredited crime laboratories that may apply to sponsor an apprentice under the pilot program.
- (b) In establishing the eligibility requirements under Subsection (a), the commission shall prioritize the long-term retention of forensic analysts in accredited crime laboratories in this state.
- (c) The commission shall award apprentice positions to individuals and accredited crime laboratories that meet the eligibility requirements established under Subsection (a). The commission shall enter into contracts with the laboratories selected to sponsor apprentices under the pilot program.
- (d) The commission shall consult with the Texas Association of Crime Lab Directors to determine the current need for forensic analyst apprentices in each forensic discipline.
Added by Acts 2025, 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 318 (S.B. 1620), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2025.