FL H0179

Create section 943.326, F.S. requiring sexual offense evidence kits or other DNA evidence be submitted to the statewide criminal analysis laboratory system within 30 days of law enforcement receipt or upon victim request for testing.

Require medical providers and law enforcement agencies to inform sexual offense victims (or their representatives if minors or deceased) of the purpose of evidence testing and their right to request testing.

Mandate retention of collected sexual offense evidence kits in secure, environmentally safe conditions until the prosecuting agency approves destruction.

Require the Department of Law Enforcement and statewide criminal analysis laboratories to adopt and disseminate guidelines and procedures by January 1, 2017, with DNA testing completed no later than 120 days after submission.

Clarify that violations of this section do not create a cause of action, private right of action, or basis to challenge evidence admission; effective July 1, 2016.