HARRISBURG – Legislation sponsored by Sen. Wayne Langerholc, Jr. (R-35) to assist survivors of sexual assault was approved by the Senate Tuesday.
Senate Bill 920 would establish a sexual assault evidence tracking system, which allows individuals to follow the path of a rape kit throughout the collection and testing process.
“The forensic evidence collected from rape kits is crucial to bringing offenders to justice, but delays in processing have plagued sexual assault survivors for years,” Langerholc said. “This system will ensure survivors receive transparency, assurance and accountability that their cases are being handled effectively.”
Thirty-two states and the District of Columbia have established rape kit tracking systems. Pennsylvania’s enactment of legislation would allow the state to receive additional federal funds.
In 2018, Langerholc sponsored a law to streamline the process of collecting sexual assault evidence and required regular reports on data relating to sexual assault. In 2019, he sponsored a law enacting a comprehensive bill of rights in Pennsylvania for survivors of sexual assault. Senate Bill 920 builds on these efforts.
The bill will be sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.
