HB2150: Trace evidence collection kit; collection, retention, and storage of kits, effective date.

Legislative Summary

Trace evidence collection kit. Provides for the collection, retention, and storage of a trace evidence collection kit or anonymous trace evidence collection kit, defined in the bill, collected as part of a forensic medical examination of a victim of strangulation, with some procedures that parallel existing procedures for the collection, retention, and storage of physical evidence recovery kits collected for victims of sexual assault. The bill requires the Commonwealth to pay all medical fees relating to the collection of a trace evidence collection kit and does not require victims complaining of strangulation to participate in the criminal justice system or cooperate with law-enforcement authorities in order to be provided with such forensic medical examination. The bill has a delayed effective date of July 1, 2025. Trace evidence collection kit. Provides for the collection, retention, and storage of a trace evidence collection kit or anonymous trace evidence collection kit, defined in the bill, collected as part of a forensic medical examination of a victim of strangulation, with some procedures that parallel existing procedures for the collection, retention, and storage of physical evidence recovery kits collected for victims of sexual assault. The bill requires the Commonwealth to pay all medical fees relating to the collection of a trace evidence collection kit and does not require victims complaining of strangulation to participate in the criminal justice system or cooperate with law-enforcement authorities in order to be provided with such forensic medical examination. The bill has a delayed effective date of July 1, 2025.