AR HB1577

Removes the requirement that rape victims must have been minors at the time of offense to have no statute of limitations on prosecution, allowing rape cases involving adult victims to be prosecuted at any time.

Requires law enforcement agencies to take custody of sexual assault collection kits and anonymous kits within 3 business days of notice from healthcare providers.

Mandates submission of sexual assault collection kits and anonymous kits to laboratories within 15 days of receipt, with anonymous kits only required to be submitted if the victim affirmatively requests it.

Establishes annual audit requirements for law enforcement agencies and licensed healthcare providers to report all untested sexual assault collection kits and unsubmitted anonymous kits to the State Crime Laboratory by December 31 each year.

Requires the State Crime Laboratory to prepare an annual report by February 1 to legislative committees and the Attorney General containing aggregated data on untested kits and a plan to address any backlogs, while maintaining confidentiality protections for victims.