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 regarding sexual assault and child molestation incidents. It mandates that law enforcement agencies complete a domestic violence/sexual assault reporting form upon determining probable cause for an incident and submit this form to the attorney general's office. The bill specifies that the reporting form must include detailed information about the incident, such as the existence of any prior court orders and any language barriers present.

Additionally, the bill requires law enforcement departments to electronically submit the domestic violence/sexual assault reporting forms and corresponding police report narratives 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 narratives as soon as practicable, but no later than the end of the calendar year in which the incident occurred.

The bill also establishes that the domestic violence training and monitoring unit within the administrative office of state courts will prescribe the reporting form and process, replacing the previous role of the court system. Furthermore, it stipulates that upon adjudication of acquittal, dismissal, or other exoneration, the domestic violence/sexual assault reporting form will be expunged by the unit. The act aims to improve the accuracy and comprehensiveness of data collected on sexual assault incidents in the state and will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5893: 11-37-13.3