CA AB1517

Requires law enforcement agencies to submit sexual assault forensic evidence to crime labs within 20 days of booking, or establish a rapid turnaround DNA program to submit evidence within 5 days of collection, for offenses occurring on or after January 1, 2016.

Requires crime labs to process sexual assault forensic evidence and upload DNA profiles to the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) within 120 days of receipt, or transmit evidence to another lab within 30 days.

Requires law enforcement agencies to notify sexual assault victims within 6 months if DNA evidence is not analyzed, and mandates written notice at least 60 days before destroying or disposing of rape kit evidence prior to statute of limitations expiration.

Allows victims to request updates on DNA testing status and establishes victim rights to be informed whether a DNA profile was obtained, entered into the Department of Justice database, or matched to a known offender.

Provides that the only civil or criminal remedy for law enforcement failure to comply is a writ of mandamus; compliance failures cannot be used by defendants to challenge convictions.