This bill establishes an Evidence Shipping Pilot Program under the Department of Safety to expedite the delivery of sexual assault evidence to the state forensic laboratory. The program aims to alleviate long waiting periods for evidence collection, particularly in rural communities where resources are limited. It mandates that all evidence collected by medical personnel in sexual assault cases must be transferred to the laboratory within seven business days. If law enforcement agencies are unable to deliver the evidence in person, they may utilize a common carrier with tracking capabilities, ensuring that the evidence is securely handled and monitored throughout the shipping process. The bill also requires the Department of Safety to adopt rules for the program's design, administration, and reporting.

Additionally, the bill includes an appropriation for the pilot program, allowing the Department of Safety to determine the necessary funding, which is capped at $25,000 for the biennium ending June 30, 2027. The governor is authorized to draw from the general fund to cover these costs. The bill emphasizes the importance of timely evidence delivery in the context of sexual assault cases, aiming to improve the efficiency of the criminal justice process. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.