Texas Crime Lab Records (CLR) Connect
The Texas Crime Lab Records (CLR) Connect portal (which is pronounced Texas “Clear” Connect) is a statewide initiative developed by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) in response to Senate Bill 991, passed during the 88th Texas Legislative Session. The portal is designed to streamline the request and transfer of crime laboratory records among crime laboratories, attorneys representing the state, and other authorized parties as part of the criminal discovery process under Article 39.14, Code of Criminal Procedure.
About Texas CLR Connect
The CLR Connect portal will provide a secure, centralized, and digital means for delivering laboratory records subject to discovery. The system aims to:
- Improve efficiency in handling record requests.
- Enhance transparency within the criminal justice system.
- Ensure compliance with discovery obligations, including the Brady Rule and the Michael Morton Act.
The project is currently in development, with ongoing stakeholder engagement to ensure that crime laboratories across the state and beyond its borders are prepared for implementation.
Who Is Required to Participate?
All crime laboratories, as defined by Article 38.35 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, within the State of Texas that conduct forensic analysis for use in a criminal action in Texas are required to participate in Texas CLR Connect.
For out-of-state crime laboratories, the finalized administrative rules—published in the June 27, 2025, Texas Register and effective July 3, 2025—establish a limited exemption process. To qualify for exemption, a laboratory must:
• Be located outside of Texas, and
• Conduct fewer than 300 cases annually for use in Texas criminal actions.
Exemptions will be granted through an application process using a standardized form. The application form will be posted on this page when available. Exemptions are valid for two years, after which laboratories must reapply for continued eligibility.
Full details regarding participation requirements and exemptions are available in the finalized administrative rules published in the June 27, 2025, Texas Register listings of adopted rules.
Implementation Timeline
DPS is targeting an August 2026 launch for Texas CLR Connect. Implementation will occur through a phased rollout, beginning with a limited deployment on a small scale. Rollout will then expand in stages, which may be organized by judicial districts or laboratory information management systems (LIMS). The specific phasing schedule will be determined as the launch date approaches.
DPS will continue to provide regular updates to ensure that all participating laboratories are informed and prepared for compliance with CLR Connect requirements.
Stay Informed
Regular updates about the Texas CLR Connect project will be published through the CLR Connect Newsletter. You can access past issues below.
If you are interested in receiving the latest issue of the CLR Connect Newsletter, please register here.
Interested in having the CLR Connect team discuss the project in detail? Please register for a presentation here.
Newsletters
2025
- Issue #9 – September 2025 (PDF)
- Issue #8 – May 2025 (PDF)
- Attorney Special Issue – May 2025 (PDF)
- Issue #7 – February 2025 (PDF)
2024
- Issue #6 – December 2024 (PDF)
- Issue #5 – November 2024 (PDF)
- Issue #4 – October 2024 (PDF)
- Issue #3 – September 2024 (PDF)
- Issue #2 – August 2024 (PDF)
- Issue #1 – July 2024 (PDF)
User Access Forms
- Texas CLR Connect Exemption Form (PDF) – In Development