Illinois General Assembly - Bill Status for HB0528

Amends the Sexual Assault Evidence Submission Act. Provides that the Department of State Police shall create and operate a statewide sexual assault evidence kit tracking system. Provides that the statewide sexual assault evidence kit tracking system shall: (1) track the location and status of sexual assault evidence kits throughout the criminal justice process, including the initial collection in examinations performed at medical facilities, receipt at local law enforcement agencies, and receipt and analysis at forensic laboratories; (2) allow medical facilities performing sexual assault forensic examinations, law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, State and local crime laboratories, and other entities who have physical custody of sexual assault evidence kits to update and track the status and location of sexual assault evidence kits; (3) allow victims of sexual assault to anonymously track and receive updates regarding the status of their sexual assault evidence kit; and (4) use technology to allow continuous access for appropriate personnel. Provides that the Department may phase in initial participation in the statewide sexual assault evidence kit tracking system by region, volume, or other appropriate classification. Provides that all entities who have custody of sexual assault evidence kits shall fully participate in the system by no later than July 1, 2019. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.

Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Sexual Assault Evidence Submission Act. Creates the Sexual Assault Evidence Tracking and Reporting Commission to research and develop a plan to create and implement a statewide mechanism to track and report sexual assault evidence information. Provides that the Commission shall within one year of its initial meeting: (1) research options to create a tracking system and develop guidelines and a plan to implement a uniform statewide system to track the location, lab submission status, completion of forensic testing, and storage of sexual assault evidence; (2) develop guidelines and a plan to implement a system with secure electronic access that allows a victim, or his or her designee, to access or receive information about the location, lab submission status, and storage of sexual assault evidence that was gathered from him or her, provided that the disclosure does not impede or compromise an ongoing investigation; (3) develop guidelines and a plan to safeguard confidentiality and limited disclosure of the information contained in the statewide system; (4) recommend sources of public and private funding; (5) recommend changes to law or policy required to support the implementation of the plans developed; and (6) report its findings and recommendations to submit any and all proposed legislation to the Governor and General Assembly. Repealed on January 1, 2019. Effective immediately.

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