Bolinsky Supports Bill Improving Sexual Assault Investigations

HARTFORD — New legislation passed Wednesday by the House of Representatives will help improve the tragic experience of sexual assault victims according to State Rep. Mitch Bolinsky (R-106).

The bill, H.B. 6498, improves the transfer of sexual assault evidence collection kits by establishing a mandated timeline for health care facilities, police departments and state agencies involved in sexual assault investigations. Under the legislation, police departments will have 10 days to gather the kit evidence from a health care facility and transfer it to the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, which oversees sexual assault evidence collection kits.

“All too often we hear stories and read statistics about the number of victims who don’t report their assault to the police but, those who do report deserve better. Speeding up the chain of evidence gives law enforcement the ability to get predators off the street and into the criminal justice system.  Having their attacker off the streets allows the victim to progress in the healing process and gets them closer to feeling safe again,” said Rep. Mitch Bolinsky.

As part of the kit, a medical professional collects hair samples, fingernail scrapings, swabs from private areas of the body, photographs, and clothing.

Bolinsky says establishing a timeline would have Connecticut join other states in defining clear expectations for the transfer and processing of kits. The kits will still be permissible in court, even if authorities fail to meet the time requirements.

After gaining support from Connecticut’s Office of the Victim’s Advocate, Division of Criminal Justice, the Police Chiefs Association and the Permanent Commission of the Status of Women, the measure, which also improves court proceedings, was approved unanimously and now heads to the state Senate.