Senate Approves “Rape Kit” Bill

A Michigan Senate committee has approved bills designed to ensure that sexual assault investigations are completed with proper speed. The legislation creates the Sexual Assault Evidence Kit Tracking and Reporting Commission to help track and provide progress reports on investigation into those assaults. One bill in the package requires the proposed commission to develop guidelines and create a plan to track sexual assault evidence kits. A second bill creates the Sexual Assault Victim’s Access to Justice Act, which requires the investigators to provide certain information to a victim within 24 hours after the victim contacts police. The bills now head to the full Senate for consideration.