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 address long waiting periods for evidence collection, particularly in rural communities where resources may be limited. The bill mandates that all evidence collected by medical personnel in sexual assault cases must be transferred to the forensic laboratory within seven business days of collection. If law enforcement agencies are unable to deliver the evidence in person, they may use a common carrier with package tracking capabilities, ensuring that the evidence is securely handled and monitored throughout the shipping process.

The bill includes new legal language that outlines the responsibilities of law enforcement in delivering evidence, emphasizing the need for a good faith belief that the common carrier will meet the seven-day delivery requirement. Additionally, the Department of Safety is tasked with adopting rules for the program's design, administration, and reporting requirements. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.