Amanda Ross

Staff Writer

amr8469@psu.edu

On Feb. 1, 2024, lawmakers in the PA House of Representatives announced that they were introducing a bill that would create a electronic system with which to track rape kits within the state. The bill is a response to the increasing number of backlogged physical rape kits which have yet to be processed and documented.

The bill, proposed by representatives Brian Monroe, Tim Brennan, and Lisa A. Borowski, would be an addition to the already existing Sexual Assault Evidence Collection legislation, or SAEC. SAEC was created in 2005 by the PA Department of Health as a way of standardizing the collection of evidence from survivors of rape and assault. This particularly affected rape kits, which is the common name for both the packet of collection materials and the physical exam given to victims. While SAEC has been helpful in establishing a more streamlined system for hospitals and survivors, it suffers to process the amount of kits it receives. 

According to a survey of law enforcement agencies conducted by the PA Department of Health, there were 177 backlogged kits awaiting processing at the end of 2023, with the survey coming out in April 2023. While there were 1,172 agencies surveyed, this still displays that a meaningful number of kits are not being processed in a timely manner. By creating an electronic system available to both investigators and victims, those most affected would be able to track their kit’s progress, much like how one tracks a package. This would give important information and peace of mind to victims, who are often left to wonder when and if their kit will be processed on time. And while participation would be mandatory for both law enforcement and medical providers, it would mostly likely benefit them as well. Kits would be able to be traced back to their original hospitals more easily, and law enforcement would be able to prioritize which kits need their attention most. PA also does not need to create the system entirely themselves. 33 states, including Ohio and New York, have online systems with which to track kits. A PA system would be very similar to those already existing systems. 

Munroe’s county, Bucks county, reported 34 of the 177 backlogged kits in the 2023 report. He believes that this legislation would make a significant difference in addressing the issue, as well as providing a convenient space for the gathering of resources related to after assault care. The same website that hosts the tracking system could also be used to store resources and information relating to legal, behavioral, and medical help. This would address even more thoroughly the needs of survivors, who may not understand or be aware of what can be done afterwards. Ultimately, this bill would be not only deeply beneficial for addressing backlog issues, but would also center survivors and provide them with more control over an often confusing and distressing process.