H1896
An Act providing for the allowance of early evidence kits
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- Passed House
- Passed Senate
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Bill overview
This bill seeks to allow for the collection and storage of DNA evidence from sexual assault victims as early as possible in the investigative process. Currently, there may be limitations on when such evidence can be collected and preserved. The bill aims to establish a framework for enabling these early collections, potentially improving the chances of a successful prosecution. It is intended to provide a mechanism for collecting and storing DNA evidence before it degrades, increasing the reliability of forensic analysis.
Key provisions
- Allows for the collection and storage of DNA evidence after a sexual assault.
- Addresses the admissibility of professional services related to early DNA collection.
- Aims to improve the preservation of DNA evidence.
- Facilitates earlier forensic analysis in sexual assault cases.
Who is affected
- Sexual assault victims
- Law enforcement agencies
- Forensic scientists
- The Judiciary
Notable changes
- Potentially expands the timeline for DNA evidence collection.
- May require changes to existing protocols for evidence handling.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Samantha Montaño
Cosponsor
Samantha Montaño
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Bill H.1896 194th (Current)
An Act providing for the allowance of early evidence kits
By Representative Montaño of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1896) of Samantha Montaño relative to the admissibility of professional services that enable the early collection and storage of DNA after a sexual assault. The Judiciary.
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenter: Samantha Montaño
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Bill History Petitioners Committee Vote Committee Summary
Bill History
Displaying 6 actions for Bill H.1896
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 2/27/2025 | House | Referred to the committee on The Judiciary |
| 2/27/2025 | Senate | Senate concurred |
| 6/11/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 06/17/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2 |
| 10/20/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 06/17/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2 |
| House | Reported by committee to Clerk’s Office for processing, will accompany a study order | |
| 3/26/2026 | House | Accompanied a study order, see H5281 (under House Rule 27) |
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