Bill > SB669

This bill modifies the existing law related to rape kit testing and tracking in Maryland by extending the deadline for reporting sexual assault evidence collection kit information from December 31, 2025, to March 31, 2026. The bill expands the purpose of the Rape Kit Testing Grant Fund to provide funding for multiple objectives, including supporting law enforcement agencies in testing sexual assault evidence collection kits, assisting the Attorney General's office in investigating older untested kits, funding a statewide sexual assault victim notification hotline, and supporting peer-to-peer telehealth programs. The bill also enhances the Executive Director of the Governor's Office of Crime Prevention and Policy's responsibilities, requiring them to ensure funds are distributed to test sexual assault evidence collection kits collected before October 1, 2020, and to maintain or increase funding levels. Importantly, the bill prohibits using the Fund to support the sexual assault evidence collection kit tracking program. Additionally, the bill allows the Executive Director to make grants from the Fund for up to 36 months and clarifies that the Fund's expenditures are supplemental to existing funding and cannot replace other potential appropriations for the specified purposes.

Justice

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0669?ys=2025RS