Bill > SB206

This bill modifies the Rape Kit Collection, Testing, and Tracking Grant Fund to expand its scope and purpose. The bill updates definitions to include a "Registered Nurse - Forensic Nurse Examiner" (RN-FNE) and broadens the fund's use beyond just testing sexual assault evidence kits. The Executive Director of the Governor's Office of Crime Prevention and Policy will continue to administer the fund, with new provisions allowing up to 5% of the fund to be used for administrative purposes. The fund can now support additional activities, including providing grants to law enforcement agencies to increase testing capacity, support reporting efforts, hire forensic nurse examiners at hospitals, and fund training for RN-FNE certification. The bill maintains the fund's special, non-lapsing status and continues to allow it to receive state budget appropriations, interest earnings, and other funding sources. Importantly, the bill clarifies that money spent from the fund is supplemental to existing funding for sexual assault evidence kit testing and does not replace current appropriations. The changes are set to take effect on October 1, 2025, aiming to provide more comprehensive support for sexual assault evidence processing and related healthcare services.

Justice

Judicial Proceedings (Senate)

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0206?ys=2025RS