Ensures evidence not lost; allows victims access to real-time status updates on evidence processing
State Senator Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorn Woods) says sexual assault survivors deserve the respect in knowing the status of their evidence, which is why he proudly sponsored a new law that provides survivors more transparency during the processing of their rape kits. Senate Bill 1411 was signed into law on Friday, August 16.
The new law is the result of the Sexual Assault Evidence Tracking and Reporting Commission and mandates the Illinois State Police to establish a statewide sexual assault electronic tracking system.
“Illinois currently lacks a uniform system across all law enforcement to track sexual assault evidence,” said McConchie. “No one who has been sexually assaulted should be left in the dark while the evidence is being processed. This new law will allow survivors to access real-time status updates. This is just the first step in providing transparency for victims, ensuring survivors are treated with the seriousness they deserve, and bringing more offenders to justice.”