This bill establishes an Evidence Shipping Pilot Program under the Department of Safety in New Hampshire, aimed at expediting the delivery of sexual assault evidence to the state forensic laboratory. The program is designed to address the long waiting periods currently experienced in the evidence delivery process, particularly benefiting law enforcement agencies in rural areas with limited resources. The bill mandates that all evidence collected in sexual assault cases must be transferred to the forensic laboratory within seven business days of collection. If in-person delivery is not feasible, law enforcement agencies may utilize a common carrier with package tracking capabilities, ensuring that the evidence is securely handled and monitored throughout the shipping process.

The bill introduces new legal language by inserting a new subdivision into RSA 21-P, specifically section 71, which outlines the details of the Evidence Shipping Pilot Program. It emphasizes the importance of timely evidence transfer and establishes guidelines for using common carriers, including the requirement for law enforcement to maintain tracking of the evidence. The program is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, as specified in the effective date clause of the bill.