Bill > SB145

This bill establishes an evidence shipping pilot program aimed at improving the timely delivery of sexual assault evidence kits from law enforcement agencies to the state forensic laboratory in New Hampshire. The bill recognizes the significant prevalence of sexual violence in the state, with one in four women and one in 20 men experiencing sexual assault, and notes that an average of 300 sexual assault evidence kits are collected annually. Under the pilot program, the Department of Safety will facilitate the transfer of sexual assault evidence collected by medical personnel to the state forensic laboratory within 7 business days. If law enforcement cannot deliver the evidence in person, they may use a common carrier with package tracking, but must hand-deliver the package directly to a carrier agent and track its routing. The program will place special emphasis on supporting law enforcement in rural communities with limited resources, and the Department of Safety is required to adopt rules for the program's design, administration, and reporting requirements. The pilot program is set to begin on July 1, 2025, with an anticipated expense of up to $25,000 for the biennium, funded through the general fund. The goal is to reduce waiting periods for evidence analysis and improve the efficiency of sexual assault case processing.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_docket.aspx?lsr=1120&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=SB145