An Act amending the act of November 29, 2006 (P.L.1471, No.165), known as the Sexual Assault Testing and Evidence Collection Act, further providing for definitions.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Camera Bartolotta and 10 co-sponsors

SB 1212 updates definitions in the Sexual Assault Testing and Evidence Collection Act to standardize kit handling, testing timelines, and reporting for faster, consistent processin

Referred to Judiciary

Overview

Senate Bill 1212 (2025-2026 Regular Session) would amend the Sexual Assault Testing and Evidence Collection Act (the act enacted November 29, 2006) to provide updated definitions and related provisions. The bill is sponsored by a bipartisan group led by Senator Tracy Pennycuick and has a broad set of co-sponsors. As of the latest action, it was referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee on March 12, 2026.

Purpose and intent

To strengthen and clarify the statutory framework governing sexual assault evidence collection and testing.

The accompanying memo, “Ensuring All Rape Kits Get Tested in the Commonwealth,” indicates the aim of ensuring more rape kits are tested and that victims' evidence is processed consistently and promptly across Pennsylvania.

Key provisions and changes (as suggested by the bill’s title and context)

The bill would amend the act to update definitions used in the Sexual Assault Testing and Evidence Collection Act. These definitions likely address terms such as “sexual assault,” “evidence collection kit,” “sexually transmitted infections,” “victim,” “deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) analysis,” and related procedural elements.

By refining definitions, the bill would influence how kits are categorized, stored, reported, and prioritized for testing.

Although the full text is not provided here, typical changes in this area may include:

Clarifying timelines for testing and reporting of results.
Expanding or standardizing the entities responsible for testing (e.g., laboratory requirements, chain-of-custody protocols).
Enhancing victim protections and reporting requirements.
Aligning definitions with contemporary forensic, medical, and privacy standards.

Who is affected

Sexual assault survivors and victims whose evidence collection kits may be impacted by definitional changes.

Law enforcement agencies and district attorneys who manage Kit intake, testing, reporting, and case handling.

Federal/state public health and crime labs involved in DNA analysis and processing of rape kits.

Medical-legal professionals and hospitals/clinics that perform or oversee evidence collection.

Advocates and service providers focused on survivor support and victim rights.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Status: Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee on March 12, 2026.

There are no votes or committee hearing records listed in the provided materials yet.

The bill follows prior reform efforts emphasizing “Ensuring All Rape Kits Get Tested in the Commonwealth,” suggesting a potential push toward universal or comprehensive testing standards and improved data tracking.

If enacted, the changes would take effect according to the bill’s text and any implementing regulations and may require administrative updates to laboratory workflows and reporting systems.

Potential impact

Improved clarity and consistency in how sexual assault evidence is defined, stored, tested, and reported.

Potential increases in the number of kits tested, faster turnaround times for results, and better data integrity for prosecutions.

Strengthened protections for victims through standardized procedures and clearer rights related to evidence processing.

Enhanced interoperability among law enforcement, medical providers, and crime labs.

If you’d like, I can compare SB 1212 to current law or summarize the exact definitional changes once the bill text is available.