SB 654 Summary

• Creates the Joint Legislature Task Force on Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence until September 15, 2019, to examine gathering and analyzing of sexual assault forensic evidence kits, law enforcement training, victim access to evidence, and anonymous kit testing procedures.

• Task force comprised of 17 members including 2 nonvoting Senate members, 2 nonvoting House members, and 13 members appointed by the Governor representing victim services, law enforcement, sexual assault nurse examiners, prosecutors, and victim advocates.

• Requires all law enforcement agencies to conduct audits by December 30, 2017, to identify the number of untested evidence collection kits in their possession and submit written reports to the Attorney General and task force.

• Task force must submit report on audit results to the Governor and legislative leadership by July 1, 2018, and final report with findings and recommendations by July 1, 2019.

• All sexual assault forensic evidence kits must be preserved during and after the audit until law enforcement agencies receive written authorization from the task force to dispose of evidence; effective July 1, 2017, with emergency provisions.