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Bill > HB626
GA HB626
GA HB626Criminal procedure; extend retention period of evidence of sexual assault when victim elects not to immediately report assault
summary
Introduced
02/26/2025
02/26/2025
In Committee
02/24/2026
02/24/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
AN ACT To amend Code Section 17-5-71 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to preservation of evidence, so as to extend the retention period of evidence of sexual assault when the victim chooses not to immediately report the assault; to provide for a short title; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
AI Summary
This bill, known as the "Stephanie Colquitt-Shurman Act of 2026," amends existing Georgia law to extend the period that law enforcement agencies must preserve physical evidence of sexual assault when the victim chooses not to report the assault immediately. Previously, such evidence, which includes biological material like stains, fluids, or hair samples that could identify a perpetrator, was required to be kept for at least 12 months; this bill increases that retention period to 30 years from the date the evidence is collected, providing a longer window for potential future reporting and investigation.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (5)
Last Action
House Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute (on 02/24/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/70803 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20252026/243626 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20252026/235080 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20252026/233930 |
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