This bill establishes an Evidence Shipping Pilot Program under the Department of Safety to expedite the delivery of sexual assault evidence to the state forensic laboratory. The program aims to alleviate long waiting periods for evidence collection, particularly in rural communities where resources are limited. The bill mandates that all evidence collected by medical personnel in sexual assault cases must be transferred to the forensic laboratory within seven business days. If law enforcement agencies cannot deliver the evidence in person, they may use a common carrier with package tracking capabilities, ensuring that the evidence is delivered within the specified timeframe. The bill also requires law enforcement to maintain tracking of the evidence during transit and allows for reimbursement of common carrier costs if good faith efforts to meet the delivery requirement are demonstrated.

Additionally, the bill includes an appropriation of $200,000 from the general fund for each fiscal year 2026 and 2027 to support the pilot program. This funding will be allocated to transition part-time positions to full-time roles for program management, as well as for necessary equipment such as refrigerated lock-boxes. The total estimated cost for implementing the program may range from $175,000 to $300,000 per year, depending on various operational expenses. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.