Ensures evidence not lost; allows victims access to real-time status updates on evidence processing
In an attempt to provide sexual assault victims with more transparency on the status of the processing of rape kit evidence, State Senator Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorn Woods) is sponsoring legislation that would mandate the Illinois State Police to establish a statewide sexual assault electronic tracking system. Senate Bill 1411 passed out of the Senate Criminal Law Committee Tuesday.
SB 1411 is the result of the Sexual Assault Evidence Tracking and Reporting Commission, which was formed in 2017 in an effort to find ways to improve the collecting and tracking of sexual assault evidence. The commission was made up of one legislator from each caucus, representatives from sexual assault organizations, law enforcement, and state’s attorneys.
“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. They deserve better respect than that. This legislation is an important first step in providing transparency for victims, ensuring survivors are treated with the seriousness they deserve, and bringing more offenders to justice.”
SB 1411 now heads to the Senate Floor for a full vote.