California

We do not know the extent of the backlog in California—there is only information about the backlog at the local level, which you can see below. Like most states, California does not require its law enforcement agencies to track or count rape kits. In fact, just three states do—Colorado, Illinois and Texas—and because of the reforms these states have implemented, we now have a more accurate picture of the backlog there. This can happen in California, too. Take action today to advocate for transparency and change from our elected officials.

On January 15, 2014, Assembly Member Nancy Skinner introduced legislation that would amend California's Sexual Assault Victims' DNA Bill of Rights in an effort to prevent future backlogs. The bill encourages law enforcement agencies, beginning on January 1, 2016, to submit newly collected rape kits for testing within ten days of being booked into evidence or ensure that a program is in place to allow rape kits to be transferred directly from the medical facility to a crime lab within 5 days. The bill also instructs the crime lab to process rape kit evidence as soon as possible, but no later than 60 days after receiving it, or transmit it to another crime lab not later than 30 days after receiving it. 

Regarding victim notification, the legislation would amend the Bill of Rights to require law enforcement agencies to inform survivors, whether or not the identity of the perpetrator is known, if the law enforcement agency does not analyze the DNA evidence within certain time limits. Currently, such notification is required only in cases where the identity of the perpetrator is unknown.