April 5, 2001 Gov

April 5, 2001 Gov. Perry signed a law giving inmates access to DNA testing. The bill will require the state to preserve DNA evidence and allow prisoners access to DNA testing if it was not available at trial. It 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).