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Bill Summary · LC 1984

Summary of Legislative Bill LC 1984: "Generally Revise Laws Related to Sexual Assault Kits"

Overview

This proposed bill aims to make comprehensive updates to Montana's laws and procedures surrounding the collection, processing, and storage of sexual assault kits. The main goals are to improve the tracking and testing of kits, establish clear timelines for processing, and provide additional funding and resources to address the state's backlog of untested kits.

Key Provisions

  • Statewide Tracking System: Requires the creation of a centralized, electronic system to track the status and location of all sexual assault kits from collection to final disposition.
  • Mandatory Testing Timelines: Sets a 90-day deadline for law enforcement to submit collected kits to the state forensic lab, and a 180-day deadline for the lab to process and test the kits.
  • Backlog Reduction Funding: Appropriates $3 million in one-time funding to the Montana Department of Justice to address the existing backlog of untested sexual assault kits.
  • Annual Reporting: Mandates annual public reporting on the status of sexual assault kit testing, including the number of kits collected, submitted, tested, and remaining in the backlog.
  • Victim Notification Requirements: Requires law enforcement to notify victims within 60 days of a kit being submitted to the lab, and again within 30 days of testing completion.

Impact and Affected Parties

This bill would have a significant impact on several key stakeholders:

  • Law Enforcement: Police departments and sheriff's offices would be required to follow new protocols for the handling and tracking of sexual assault kits.
  • State Forensic Lab: The Montana Department of Justice Forensic Science Division would need to increase testing capacity and efficiency to meet the new processing deadlines.
  • Survivors of Sexual Assault: Survivors would benefit from improved kit tracking, faster processing times, and better communication about the status of their cases.
  • Montana Legislature: The annual reporting requirements would provide lawmakers with more comprehensive data to inform future policy decisions around sexual assault response.

Timeline

If passed, the provisions of this bill would go into effect on July 1, 2025. The $3 million in backlog reduction funding would be available immediately to the Department of Justice upon the bill's enactment.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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