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Bill moving through Trenton would change how sexual assault evidence is processed in the state

New Jersey capitol building
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NEW JERSEY (KYW Newsradio) — New Jersey lawmakers have advanced legislation to ensure every rape allegation in the state is promptly investigated.

There are some rape kits dating to July 2019 that still haven't been properly analyzed. This law would codify Attorney General Matt Platkin's directives regarding the prompt collection and processing of evidence while also giving victims the ability to track their case. Under these directives, law enforcement must submit evidence collected from victims to a lab within 10 days of an examination.


Bill sponsor, State Senator Joe Cryan, says rape allegations weren't being handled the same way everywhere, so a permanent statewide policy is needed.

"Some counties were nearly at 100% and some counties were less than 50% in terms of actual testing," he said. "That happens because sometimes law enforcement simply doesn't believe the victim."

Under this bill, there would be no option for local, county or state police to investigate claims they deem more credible than others. All allegations must go through the same process.

The bill has received committee approval and must pass a full vote before Gov. Phil Murphy can sign it into law.