The bill amends Section 11-37-13.3 of the General Laws in Chapter 11-37, titled "Sexual Assault," to enhance the reporting requirements for law enforcement agencies responding to sexual assault or child molestation incidents. It mandates that law enforcement agencies complete a new "domestic violence/sexual assault reporting form" upon determining probable cause for an incident subject to reporting. The bill specifies that the form must include detailed information about the incident, such as the existence of any prior court orders, the names and relationships of the parties involved, the nature of the alleged abuse, and any language barriers present.

Additionally, it requires law enforcement departments to electronically submit these forms and the corresponding police report narratives to the unit within the administrative office of state courts at the end of each month. For cases that are still under investigation or for which an arrest warrant has been issued but not yet executed, the responsible law enforcement department must electronically submit the reporting form and corresponding narratives as soon as practicable, but no later than the end of the calendar year in which the incident occurred.

The bill clarifies that the domestic violence training and monitoring unit within the administrative office of state courts will oversee the submission process and the content of the reporting form. It also stipulates that upon adjudication of acquittal, dismissal, or other exoneration, the reporting form will be expunged by the unit. This act aims to improve data collection on sexual assault incidents and ensure compliance with reporting requirements, taking effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
526: 11-37-13.3