NJ A3743

Mandates sexual assault forensic evidence be retained for at least 10 years from collection date, or 10 years after a minor victim turns 18, regardless of whether the crime was reported to law enforcement

Requires custodians to notify alleged victims within 30 days of evidence collection that evidence may be discarded after 10 years, with a second notification required more than 30 days before destruction

Extends the current preservation period from 5 years under existing Attorney General Guidelines to 10 years under this bill

Authorizes county prosecutors or the Director of the Division of Criminal Justice to approve destruction of evidence after the 10-year period, with the Division having the opportunity to assume custody before destruction

Applies to all custodians including law enforcement agencies, prosecutors' offices, courts, health care facilities, and crime laboratories, who may contract with other entities for appropriate storage