The Houston Forensic Science Center (HFSC) Board of Directors convened on July 28, 2025, to address ongoing challenges and budgetary considerations impacting forensic testing in the city. A significant focus of the meeting was the backlog of sexual assault kits and firearms analysis, which have been persistent issues for the center.

During the meeting, officials reported a positive trend in the processing of sexual assault kits, noting that testing had resumed after a pause due to a manufacturing error with Signature Science. The data indicated a decrease in the backlog of kits over 90 days old, suggesting that the center is on track to resolve this issue in the coming months. However, the firearms analysis backlog remains a critical concern, with officials acknowledging that it has been a "pain point" for several years. The board discussed strategies to increase capacity for firearms testing in the current fiscal year to address this ongoing challenge.

In terms of staffing, the center has welcomed three new analysts for drug seizure analysis, which has led to a steady decline in the backlog for seized drugs. The board expressed confidence in the current staffing pipeline, anticipating further improvements as additional analysts are trained.

Budget discussions were also a key topic, with the board reviewing the proposed fiscal year 2026 budget of $33.92 million, which is expected to be adjusted to approximately $34.88 million through a post-budget justification process. This adjustment reflects the center's efforts to maintain financial clarity and avoid overspending. The board noted that the year-end cash balance was higher than anticipated, which would help bridge the gap between the original budget request of $38 million and the final budget number.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the HFSC's commitment to improving forensic testing processes while navigating budgetary constraints and staffing challenges. The board plans to revisit the budget in September, aiming to finalize the financial plan that will support the center's operations and address the pressing needs of the community.