Bill > HB2601

This bill makes various changes to the requirements for investigating sexual offenses in Tennessee. Key provisions include: 1. Requiring all law enforcement personnel involved in investigating sexual assault crimes to complete a minimum of 16 hours annually of sensitivity training provided by the Tennessee Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission, focusing on trauma-informed and victim-centered approaches. 2. Mandating the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) to complete DNA analysis on any sexual assault evidence collection kit within 90 days of submission, and to report annually on the average turnaround time and any kits that cannot be tested within the required timeframe. 3. Extending the statute of limitations for filing a claim for victim compensation from 10 years to 25 years for certain sexual offenses, and allowing victims to prove eligibility using a broader range of documentation, such as an application for an order of protection or verification of participation in the home address confidentiality program. 4. Granting Sexual Assault Response Teams (SARTs) oversight authority over local law enforcement agencies' handling of sexual assault crimes and the power to conduct audits and reviews of investigations.