Relates to the collection and reporting of sexual offense evidence on the statewide electronic tracking system

Survivors can track sexual offense evidence kits

New York hospitals must record reported sexual offense evidence kits in the statewide electronic tracking system and notify police within 48 hours. Police must retrieve each kit within seven days after notification. Reported kits require the survivor’s consent to evidence collection and to reporting the offense to police. The system tracks each kit’s location and status through its final handling, allowing survivors to track it or receive updates anonymously. When a survivor permits release of privileged evidence, police must retrieve it within seven days of that permission. Police must record that evidence in the system, where the released kit follows the same tracking rules. Covered hospitals, police agencies, and other evidence handlers must follow system rules no later than January 1, 2025. These requirements cover reported kits submitted before, on, or after the law’s effective date.