Bill > H1987

This bill establishes a DNA exception rule for rape cases in Massachusetts by making three key changes to existing law. First, the bill requires that all rape kit evidence must be retained for at least 15 years. Second, it allows law enforcement to process and investigate rape kits even if the statute of limitations for the original offense has expired. Third, and most significantly, the bill creates an exception to the standard statute of limitations for certain sexual assault offenses (specifically sections 22-23B of chapter 265) when the identity of the perpetrator is established through DNA evidence collected at the time of the original offense. Under this provision, if a perpetrator's identity is discovered through DNA analysis after the traditional statute of limitations has passed, prosecutors can still file an indictment or complaint against that individual. This change aims to provide more opportunities for justice in rape cases where technological advances like DNA testing can help identify offenders long after the initial crime occurred, addressing potential limitations in previous legal frameworks that might have prevented prosecution due to time constraints.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1987