Bill > S1213

This bill aims to improve protections for sexual violence survivors by modifying existing law to provide two key rights: First, survivors can now choose to have their sexual assault evidence kit (commonly known as a "rape kit") submitted to a crime laboratory within 7 business days, or opt to have the kit safely stored by law enforcement for the duration of the statute of limitations, even if they have not yet filed a police report. Second, the bill establishes that survivors have the right to prevent their DNA samples or profiles from being used for purposes beyond the specific sexual assault investigation, including prohibiting law enforcement from comparing survivor DNA with unrelated crime scene evidence or adding survivor DNA profiles to broader databases. These provisions are designed to give sexual assault survivors more control over their evidence and personal information, potentially encouraging more survivors to come forward and participate in the evidence collection process without fear of their DNA being used in unintended ways.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1213