A new law goes into effect in Texas today, requiring that all rape kits be turned in to a state lab within 30 days. The lab then has three months to process the kit.
We’re keeping a close eye on the implementation of the law!
Natasha's Justice Project
Ending the Rape Kit Backlog
I am very encouraged that this law has gone into effect outlining time limits. I do have some concerns, though… 30 days to turn the kits in is still a lot of time from the kit being collected to it being turned in, which allows a lot of time for losing the kits, them getting out of site, and thus out of mind, and possible mishandling making the evidence unusable. As well, with this law going into effect, will backlogged kits be put even further behind because the law applies to new evidence kits? I definitely think this is a huge step in the right direction, and I realize it will take time for law enforcement and labs to become accustomed to the time constraints, but my concerns still nag me. Only time will tell… Kudos to Texas for making the effort.