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. The bill specifies that the 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 these forms and the 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 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 forms. It also stipulates that upon adjudication of acquittal, dismissal, or other exoneration, the reporting form will be expunged by the unit. This legislation aims to improve data collection on sexual assault incidents and ensure compliance with reporting requirements. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5893: 11-37-13.3