FL S0368

Requires all Florida law enforcement agencies to adopt formal policies by January 1, 2017 for handling and submitting forensic medical evidence (rape kits) collected in sexual assault investigations.

Mandates that forensic medical evidence be processed with results provided to the agency within 12 months of the alleged sexual assault.

Requires law enforcement agencies to process backlogged forensic evidence collected before January 1, 2017 by January 1, 2020.

Imposes a $1,000 surcharge on persons convicted of specified sexual offenses and related crimes, with proceeds directed to the statewide criminal analysis laboratory system to fund forensic evidence processing.

Takes effect July 1, 2016.