Judiciary committee unanimously agrees to send letter to AFA on LD 549's testing and opt‑out language
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Summary
After reviewing revised language on inventory and mandatory testing of sexual‑assault evidence kits, the committee agreed to request AFA consider removing a late opt‑out provision and to send a unanimous letter reflecting the committee's preferred language; roll call recorded 11‑0 with 3 absent.
The Joint Judiciary Committee reviewed a revised memo on LD 549 — a bill concerning sexual‑assault evidence kits — and agreed unanimously among those present to send a letter to the Appropriations & Financial Affairs Committee asking for the committee’s preferred language.
Staff explained LD 549 requires inventorying and, for kits completed after a specified future date, mandatory testing so that victims are warned in advance that testing will occur if they report the offense. Committee members and stakeholders had raised practical problems with allowing a later opt‑out by victims, including difficulties in stopping testing once it has started and possible court orders requiring testing when evidence may be constitutionally significant to a defendant.
Representative Adam Lee moved that the committee send a unanimous letter to AFA reflecting the committee’s language preferences; Representative Pugh seconded. A roll‑call vote was taken and recorded as 11 yes, 0 no, 3 absent. Staff said they would follow up to collect final votes from absent members and then transmit the letter to AFA.
