Assembly Bill 236 aims to enhance the rights of sexual assault victims in Wisconsin by amending existing laws and creating new provisions related to the handling of sexual assault kits. The bill specifies that victims who provide a sexual assault kit will have the right to have their kit tested within established statutory timelines. Additionally, victims can request information regarding the location, testing date, and results of the kit, as well as whether DNA analysis has been performed and if any profiles have been matched. The bill also mandates that victims be informed of the estimated destruction date of their kit and any changes in the status of their case.
To implement these changes, the bill amends section 165.776 (1) (d) to clarify the definition of a sexual assault kit, aligning it with the definition provided in section 165.775 (1) (e). Furthermore, it creates a new section, 950.04 (1v) (dm), which outlines the specific rights of victims regarding their sexual assault kits. This legislation seeks to ensure that victims are treated with dignity and respect throughout the criminal justice process, providing them with critical information and updates related to their cases.
Statutes affected: Bill Text: 165.776(1)(d), 165.776