SB 1536 Summary

• Creates the Cold Case Initiative Program within the Department of Law Enforcement to reinvestigate unsolved violent crimes using modern investigative strategies.

• Defines "cold case" as a missing person, unidentified remains, or violent crime (including homicide or sexual battery) unsolved for at least 3 years after commission.

• Requires the department to develop a secure database accessible only to law enforcement agencies and a public website displaying victim photos, physical descriptions, and crime details.

• Mandates all law enforcement agencies provide the department with lists of cold cases and annual updates on resolved cases and newly eligible cases.

• Authorizes the department to coordinate with local law enforcement agencies to select, review, and reinvestigate cold cases, with local agencies maintaining physical evidence unless otherwise agreed.