Zupkus supports bill improving sexual assault investigations

HARTFORD — State Rep. Lezlye Zupkus (R-89) is hoping new legislation passed last week by the House of Representatives will help improve the investigation process for sexual assault victims.

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.

Zupkus, ranking member of the legislature’s Public Safety committee and a cosponsor of the proposal, said the House’s unanimous approval of the bill was a small victory for victims of sexual assault and those seeking justice.

“Victims of sexual assault can experience trauma when going through the investigation by having to relive the events, especially if that process is long and cumbersome,” Zupkus said. “It is my hope that this bill will help authorities to be more responsive to the victims of sexual assault by establishing a timeline and eliminating issues that result from delayed investigations.”

The kits will still be permitted in court, even if the 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.

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