House bill deals with rape kit backlog
(Harrisburg) — A bill approved by the state House Judiciary Committee seeks to speed up the processing of rape kits.
Under the bill, a hospital or health care facility which collects evidence of an alleged sexual assault would have 12 hours to notify law enforcement in the jurisdiction where the reported crime took place.
If the rape kit has not been retrieved by law enforcement after 72 hours, the health facility would then be directed to contact the state Health Department.
Also a lab must complete testing within 6 months.
Representative Brandon Neuman sponsored the measure.
“It’s something that I believe is non-controversial, bi-partisan and will solve crimes, help victims and prevent future victims,” he said.
Neuman added this is the next step in reducing the backlog of testing of rape kits in Pennsylvania.
The bill now heads to the full House.
A collection of interviews, photos, and music videos, featuring local musicians who have stopped by the WITF performance studio to share a little discussion and sound. Produced by WITF’s Joe Ulrich.
