News
Media Highlights
Through our work with the media, Joyful Heart Foundation staff are working to help shape the national media narrative around the need to eliminate the rape kit backlog, to highlight work being done in local jurisdictions, and to hold accountable those standing in the way of comprehensive reform. Our Media Highlights are some recent clips that reflect our efforts.
Investigative Reports
Our news archive provides information about the rape kit backlog, including news from across the country, investigative reports, op-eds, legislation and policy reports, government publications, and more.
End the Backlog Blog
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The Financial Cost of Colorado’s DNA Kit Backlog
Mitch MorrisseyFormer District Attorney of Colorado’s Second Judicial District It is no secret that Colorado has had problems with a massive pileup of sexual assault evidence kits in the past decade. What we did not know until recently was just what it costs the state every year that those kits and cases linger. I started
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Key Policy Successes in 2024
Our advocacy efforts in 2024 encompassed rape kit issues, victims’ rights, statute of limitations, victim compensation reform, and image based abuse. A total of 21 states introduced 32 bills related to Joyful Heart’s six pillars of comprehensive rape kit reform, and nine of these bills were enacted into law. Two of the big wins this
Press Releases
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New York Closes Gap in Statewide Rape Kit Tracking System
For Immediate Release: December 19, 2025 Contact: Olivia Hall, media@endthebacklog.org NEW YORK — Today, the Joyful Heart Foundation celebrate the signing of A1970A/S5225A by Governor Hochul, which expands the statewide rape kit tracking system to require hospital participation and refines kit handling timelines. We are grateful for the leadership of Senator Andrew Gounardes and Assemblymember
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Arizona Mandates Statewide Rape Kit Tracking System
For Immediate Release: May 14, 2025 Contact: Olivia Hall, media@endthebacklog.org NEW YORK — The Joyful Heart Foundation celebrates the signing of HB2581 by Governor Hobbs in Arizona, codifying the statewide rape kit tracking system into law. We applaud Representative Selina Bliss for her leadership and the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual & Domestic Violence for
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New Jersey Enacts Critical Bill for Sexual Assault Survivors’ Rights
For Immediate Release: September 4, 2024 Contact: Olivia Hall, media@endthebacklog.org NEW YORK – Today, the Joyful Heart Foundation celebrates Governor Murphy’s signing of New Jersey bill S1017/A3748 into law. This bi-partisan bill dramatically extends protections throughout the state through ensuring that every survivor who undergoes a sexual assault kit exam is entitled to notification about