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House approves bill to create grant fund for sexual assault kit backlog
Summary
Lawmakers passed House Bill 14-13 to establish a grant fund aimed at reducing the backlog of untested sexual assault kits in Indiana crime labs. Sponsors and advocates told the House there are roughly 600 untested kits and that labs need equipment and staff capacity.
Representative Cash presented House Bill 14-13, which would establish a grant fund to address the backlog of untested sexual assault kits at Indiana crime labs.
Cash said the state currently has approximately 600 untested kits, a backlog she estimated would take six to eight months to clear with additional resources. Sponsors told the chamber that crime labs require more automated equipment and higher-paid forensic staff to process kits more quickly.
The bill passed final passage by recorded vote; the transcript shows the roll call with 91 ayes and 0 nays. Sponsors said the grant fund is intended to provide equipment and to help labs hire and retain qualified forensic technicians.
