HB2131 Summary

• Creates a Hawaii Sexual Assault Response and Training Program administered by the Attorney General to establish statewide standards for sexual assault evidence collection kit handling, testing, and victim notification.

• Requires each county to establish an electronic tracking system by January 1, 2020 allowing victims to access the location and status of their sexual assault evidence collection kits.

• Mandates law enforcement agencies submit reported sexual assault kits to accredited DNA laboratories within 15 business days of taking possession, with DNA analysis completion averaging 180 days by July 1, 2023 and 90 days thereafter.

• Requires agencies to retain unreported kits for at least 6 years (18+ year old victims) or 20 years (under 18 year old victims) and reported kits for 50 years or until the statute of limitations expires, whichever is longer.

• Appropriates $350,743 from the DNA registry special fund for fiscal year 2018-2019 to support program staffing, training, materials, and kit testing and storage costs; effective July 1, 2018.