2023 Annual Report
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During the 88 th Legislative Session in Texas, a second law was passed as a result of Tracy’s<br />
advocacy and commitment. HB 4628 was signed by the Governor of Texas and goes into<br />
effect on September 1, <strong>2023</strong>. It provides a framework of responsibilities and timelines for<br />
labs and law enforcement to follow when Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) hits are<br />
returned in a case, helping ensure they are not overlooked or ignored. CODIS hits are<br />
matches between a DNA profile from evidence in an unsolved case and a DNA profile from<br />
a convicted offender or arrestee or another unsolved case and are powerful investigative<br />
tools. Molly’s murder would have been prevented had the authorities who were aware of her<br />
murderer’s pattern of raping and strangling women had recognized the significance of the<br />
CODIS hit that linked him to two previous cases, years before Molly was killed.<br />
Conclusion. Through FAUSA’s annual grant, Project Beloved was able to fund the<br />
installation of a soft interview room that will have a plaque bearing FAUSA’s name and 35<br />
Beloved Bundles. Through related activities for Sexual Assault Awareness Month, FAUSA<br />
volunteers had the opportunity to learn more about sexual assault, to help set up “our” soft<br />
interview room and to expand Project Beloved’s reach by bringing Beloved Bundles to new<br />
organizations.
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