Texas Forensic Science Commission

Commission Composition 

The Texas Forensic Science Commission is composed of nine members appointed by the Governor as follows:

  • Two members who must have expertise in the field of forensic science;
  • One member who must be a prosecuting attorney that the governor selects from a list of 10 names submitted by the Texas District and County Attorneys Association;
  • One member who must be a defense attorney that the governor selects from a list of 10 names submitted by the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association;
  • One member who must be a faculty member or staff member of The University of Texas who specializes in clinical laboratory medicine that the governor selects from a list of 5 names submitted by the chancellor of The University of Texas System;
  • One member who must be a faculty member or staff member of Texas A&M University who specializes in clinical laboratory medicine that the governor selects from a list of 5 names submitted by the chancellor of The Texas A&M University System;
  • One member who must be a faculty member or staff member of Texas Southern University that the governor selects from a list of 5 names submitted by the chancellor of Texas Southern University;
  • One member who must be a director or division head of the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth Missing Persons DNA Database; and
  • One member who must be a faculty or staff member of the Sam Houston State University College of Criminal Justice and have expertise in the field of forensic science or statistical analyses that the governor selects from a list of 5 names submitted by the chancellor of the Texas State University System.

Each member of the Commission serves a staggered two-year term subject to re-appointment. The Governor designates a Presiding Officer or Chair.

Reference Statute for Appointments