Texas lawmakers had quietly reduced millions in funding for child identification kits, intended to help locate missing children, following revelations by ProPublica and The Texas Tribune that the kits had not proven effective for law enforcement.
The manufacturer of the kits had employed outdated statistics on missing children to boost sales, charging for these kits when similar ones were available at a lower cost or for free.
Currently, some legislators in Texas are advocating for additional taxpayer funding for these kits, including it in a large budget proposal. Although the proposal does not specify the supplier, a 2021 bill by Republican state Sen. Donna Campbell implies a continued relationship with the National Child Identification Program (NCIDP), the presumed vendor. Her legislation, signed into law in June 2021, stipulated that the Texas Education Agency must purchase patented “inkless” kits from NCIDP whenever state funds are allocated for such materials.
The Waco-based company is led by former NFL player Kenny Hansmire, who has a history of financial issues, including tax liens and a ban in Connecticut related to an alleged fraud scheme. Hansmire had gained support from influential Texas legislators, including Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who supported Campbell’s funding proposal for the kits. Patrick later emphasized the importance of any measure that could expedite the recovery of a missing child, while Campbell highlighted the bipartisan nature of the initiative to protect children.
Hansmire, Campbell, and Patrick declined to comment for this report. Previously, Hansmire claimed to have resolved his financial problems and defended the efficacy of his kits, which he asserted had aided in locating missing children. However, inquiries with multiple Texas law enforcement agencies revealed no examples of the kits being instrumental in locating children.
Stacey Pearson, a child safety consultant and former sergeant with the Louisiana State Police, stated that she had never seen evidence of these kits’ effectiveness, even after the funding had ceased two years prior. Pearson expressed confusion over the renewed interest in these kits, deeming the decision unwise both in 2023 and now. Despite this, companies like NCIDP can market these kits as part of a broader child safety initiative, potentially making legislators appear anti-child protection if they oppose them. Between 2021 and 2023, Texas allocated nearly $6 million for these kits.
Lawmakers did not provide reasons for halting payments for the kits in 2023. Republican state Sen. Joan Huffman, Finance Committee chair, had stated that funding was removed following a review by both the House and Senate. This year, Democratic Rep. Armando Martinez proposed adding $2 million to provide kits to families with children in early grades, but did not respond to requests for comment. State Rep. Greg Bonnen, House Appropriations Committee chair, also did not respond. Bonnen had been among those who voted against Campbell’s bill for kit funding four years ago.
Huffman and the Senate have yet to reinstate funding, with Huffman declining interview requests. She stated the budgeting process remains ongoing, with no final decisions made. Legislators from both chambers will continue to negotiate the budget behind closed doors, with no certainty on kit funding before the legislative session concludes in early June.
Pearson advised lawmakers to consider whether the kits are the best use of state funds, noting the lack of evidence supporting their effectiveness. She urged lawmakers to reflect on whether they would spend personal funds similarly, suggesting the answer would likely be negative.
