MaineMaine agencies would track sexual assault evidence kits
This proposed amendment would require agencies to track completed sexual assault kits and count kits they already hold, with reports due to the state.
What it does
The Department of Public Safety must track completed sexual assault evidence kits, including kits tied to offenses victims have not reported.
Law enforcement agencies must count the sexual assault kits they hold and report the findings to the state.
Argument forVictims could privately check a kit’s status, while yearly reports could help lawmakers spot delays in testing reported kits.
Argument againstRequired participation could add work and costs for local agencies and providers, while the amendment says it does not cover at least 90% of local costs.
More detail
The Department of Public Safety must operate and maintain a system to track completed kits. The system covers completed kits related to alleged sexual assaults, whether or not the victim reported the offense. Victims must be able to check their kit’s status anonymously and securely. Law enforcement agencies, health care providers, crime labs, and prosecutors must participate under department rules. The department must report on the system by January 1, 2027, and every year after.
Law enforcement agencies must inventory the sexual assault kits they hold and report their findings to the Department of Public Safety. The inventory covers kits each agency receives, maintains, stores, or preserves. The inventory must count completed kits by year and agency, including whether the victim reported the offense and whether reported kits were analyzed. The department must compile and publish the findings. Agencies must complete the inventory by June 1, 2026. The department must publish its combined report by January 1, 2027.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed 1st Chamber
- Became Law
- Died
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Apr 29Died in Possession of the Senate when the Legislature adjourned Sine Die and was PLACED IN THE LEGISLATIVE FILES. (DEAD)Died
- 2025
- Jun 25CARRIED OVER, in the same posture, to any special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 800.
- Vote recorded SUSPEND RULES (2/3). Result: fail.Upper
- Jun 18On motion by Senator ROTUNDO of Androscoggin PLACED ON THE SPECIAL APPROPRIATIONS TABLE pending ENACTMENT - Emergency -2/3 Elected Required in concurrence.
- Jun 18Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
- Jun 18PASSED TO BE ENACTED.Became Law
- Jun 18In accordance with the provisions of Section 21 of Article IX of the Constitution, a two-thirds vote of all the members elected to the House was necessary.
- Jun 17Reported Out - ONTP/OTP-AM
- Jun 17In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
- Jun 17The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (S-427).Minor
- Jun 17Under suspension of the rules, the Bill was given its SECOND READING without REFERENCE to the Committee on Bills in the Second Reading.
- Jun 17Committee Amendment "A" (S-427) was READ and ADOPTED.Minor
- Jun 17The Bill was READ ONCE.Minor
- Jun 17On motion of Representative KUHN of Falmouth, the Minority Ought to Pass as Amended Report was ACCEPTED.
- Jun 17Reports READ.
- Jun 17Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence
- Jun 17Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED by Committee Amendment "A" (S-427)Minor
- Jun 17Committee Amendment "A" (S-427) READ and ADOPTEDMinor
- Jun 17Bill READ ONCEMinor
- Jun 17On motion by Senator CARNEY of Cumberland the Minority Ought to Pass as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (S-427) Report ACCEPTED.
- Jun 17Reports Read
- May 21Voted - Divided Report
- May 21Work Session Held
- Apr 29In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
- Apr 29The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on JUDICIARY.Minor
- Apr 29On motion by Senator BEEBE-CENTER of Knox REFERENCE to the Committee on JUDICIARY Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence
- Apr 29Committee on CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY suggested and ordered printedIntroduced
- Jun 25CARRIED OVER, in the same posture, to any special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 800.
Criminal JusticePublic Safety