HB 23-1199

HB 23-1199, titled "Forensic Medical Evidence Process Improvements," aims to help victims of sexual assault by creating a statewide system that allows them to track the status of evidence collected after an assault. This includes providing information on how evidence is handled and stored, as well as contact details for support services. The bill also updates a program that helps cover medical expenses related to sexual assaults, allowing law enforcement agencies to request reimbursement for collecting forensic evidence. It was signed into law by Governor Polis on May 25, 2023, and took effect immediately on the same day. This means that victims can now use this new system to monitor their case progress and access necessary resources more easily.

Official Summary

The act requires the department of public safety (department), by June 30, 2025, to develop and maintain a statewide system (system) for victims of alleged sexual assault to monitor the status of their sexual assault evidence collection kit. The system must also provide relevant information for victims regarding the processing, custody, analysis, and destruction of evidence, as well as contact information for law enforcement and victim resources. The department is required to submit an annual report to the house of representatives and senate judiciary committees concerning information related to the status of sexual assault evidence collection kits reported into the system. Under current law, the division of criminal justice (division) in the department administers the sexual assault victim emergency payment program (program), which assists victims of sexual assault with medical expenses associated with a sexual assault. The act permits a law enforcement agency to request reimbursement of costs associated with the collection of forensic evidence for a victim through the program, subject to an annual cap. The act also requires the division to develop and maintain a system to track claims, process invoices, sort information, and produce reports concerning the program. The division is required to submit an annual report to the house of representatives and senate judiciary committees concerning information related to the program. For the purpose of a mandatory protection order, the act expands the definition of "until final disposition of the action". For the 2023-24 state fiscal year, $523,686 is appropriated from reappropriated funds received by the department from the Colorado crime victim services fund to the office of information technology to implement the act. APPROVED by Governor May 25, 2023 EFFECTIVE May 25, 2023 (Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

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