Texas Passes DNA Bill

The Texas House of Representatives passed a bill that would require the state to preserve DNA evidence and allow prisoners access to DNA testing if it was not available at trial. The bill, which was already passed in the Senate, would also require courts to provide attorneys for indigent inmates making such claims. "I hope it provides the greatest opportunity for people who have been convicted erroneously the chance to prove themselves innocent," said Rep. Harold Dutton (D-Houston). Gov. Perry is expected to sign the bill, which he previously described as a "emergency" legislation.