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House unanimously passes bill to improve victim notification on forensic evidence
Summary
House passed first substitute HB 157 requiring law enforcement to provide victims of sexual assault with information about whether forensic evidence (rape kits) has been submitted for analysis, whether analysis produced results, or whether evidence will be destroyed; sponsors said the bill addresses communication failures and backlog-related harm.
Representative Selig presented first substitute House Bill 1 57, explaining the measure aims to address miscommunication between law enforcement and victims regarding the status of forensic evidence. Sponsor said advocacy groups and law enforcement found a significant backlog and communication gap and developed the bill to ensure victims are notified if evidence is not submitted for analysis, if analysis yields results, or if evidence will be destroyed.
Selig said Utah’s rates of sexual assault exceed national averages and that better communication is critical to victims’ well-being; committee materials and handouts referenced victim-advocacy organizations and the Sentencing Commission. The House opened voting and approved the first substitute by voice/roll call (72–0). The bill will be transmitted to the Senate.
