Maryland 2025 Regular Session

Maryland House Bill HB58

Introduced
1/8/24  
Introduced
1/8/25  
Refer
1/8/24  

Caption

Public Safety - Rape Kit Collection, Testing, and Tracking Grant Fund - Alterations

Impact

The bill's impact on state laws is significant, as it aims to centralize and streamline funding mechanisms for the testing of sexual assault kits. This includes provisions that allow for the use of the fund for equipment, personnel, and outsourcing necessary for kit testing. The establishment of policies to govern funding distribution to eligible recipients also marks a crucial step in addressing the backlog often associated with rape kit testing. Overall, the bill is expected to facilitate a faster and more effective response to sexual assault crimes in Maryland.

Summary

House Bill 58 is designed to amend and improve the existing Rape Kit Testing Grant Fund in Maryland. The bill specifically alters the name, purpose, and operational procedures of the fund that provides financial resources to law enforcement agencies for testing sexual assault evidence collection kits. By ensuring that funding is available on a multi-year basis, the bill seeks to enhance the ability of forensic laboratories to analyze these kits, which is critical for supporting victims of sexual assault and ensuring justice in such cases.

Contention

Notably, discussions surrounding HB 58 will likely revolve around the allocation and management of the funds within the state budget. Questions could arise regarding the adequacy of the funding relative to the needs of law enforcement agencies and forensic labs, as well as the transparency of how funds are administered. Moreover, debates may also focus on the overall effectiveness of the bill in addressing the issues related to sexual assault evidence processing, given the complexities involved in the criminal justice system.

Companion Bills

MD SB206

Crossfiled Public Safety - Rape Kit Collection, Testing, and Tracking Grant Fund - Alterations

Previously Filed As

MD SB615

Governor's Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services - Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kit Reporting Program

MD HB759

Governor's Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services - Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kit Reporting Program

MD HB249

Public Safety - Statewide DNA Database System, DNA Collection, and Penalties - Alterations

MD SB949

Consumer Protection - Self-Administered Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kits

MD HB758

Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kits - Preservation and Storage

MD SB789

Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kits - Preservation and Storage

MD HB1047

Consumer Protection – Self–Administered Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kits

MD SB967

Public Safety - Statewide DNA Database System, DNA Collection, and Penalties - Alterations

MD SB110

Public Safety – Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission

MD SB256

Public Safety - Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission - Revisions

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.