This bill is a memorial requesting the Secretary of Public Safety and the Executive Director of the New Mexico Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs to convene a task force aimed at studying the current state of sexual assault examination kits in New Mexico. The task force will also report on the progress made in processing backlogged sexual assault examination kits. The bill highlights alarming statistics from the 2024 New Mexico Crime Victimization Report, indicating that a significant percentage of New Mexicans have experienced sexual assault, with a notable portion of those incidents occurring at a young age. It emphasizes the need for ongoing efforts to prevent future backlogs in the processing of these kits.

The task force will consist of various stakeholders, including representatives from public safety, legal, and healthcare sectors, and will be co-chaired by the Secretary of Public Safety and the Executive Director of the New Mexico Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs. The task force is expected to meet starting in July 2026 and will provide updates and recommendations to relevant legislative committees regarding the processing of sexual assault examination kits, the adequacy of services for survivors, and potential legislative solutions to current challenges. The bill also mandates that copies of the memorial be sent to key officials involved in the oversight and management of sexual assault examination kits.