For Immediate Release: April 8, 2022
Contact: Olivia Hall media@endthebacklog.org
NEW YORK – Today, Joyful Heart Foundation applauds Governor Kelly for signing HB2228, a bill that will mandate the swift submission of sexual assault kits throughout Kansas. This is another step forward in Kansas’ work to prevent a backlog in their state ever again.
In 2021, Kansas identified 2,200 untested rape kits in their backlog. That same year they were able to clear that backlog. HB2228 ensures that all newly collected kits are submitted for processing within 30 days of collection. This legislation is a vital step to making sure their rape kit backlog remains at zero.
“Mandating the swift submission of every sexual assault kit sends a powerful message to survivors that they—and their cases—matter. It sends a message to perpetrators that they will be held accountable for their crimes,” said Ilse Knecht, Director of Policy and Advocacy at the Joyful Heart Foundation.
“When jurisdictions test every rape kit connected to a reported crime, they solve cases, bring answers and a path to justice for survivors, take dangerous criminals off the streets, and exonerate the wrongly convicted. By enacting HB2228, Kansas is showing survivors that law enforcement takes their case seriously and criminal justice professionals are doing what they can to bring them justice.”
In addition to HB2228, the Kansas legislature also passed HB2574, a bill that extends the application deadline for victims who are notified that testing of a backlogged kit has identified an offender after the compensation application cutoff. Joyful Heart has long advocated for states to eliminate barriers to compensation for backlog survivors. We congratulate the Kansas state legislature for taking the steps to enact this new law and hope that all states will follow suit
Currently, Kansas has fulfilled 2 of Joyful Heart’s six pillars. The passage of HB2228 signifies the beginning of their fulfillment of what will be their third pillar of mandating the testing of all newly acquired kits.
If you would like an interview or additional comment by Ilse Knecht, please feel free to contact me to set up an interview. Additionally, you can learn more about our legislative efforts in Kansas at http://www.endthebacklog.org/Kansas.
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The mission of the Joyful Heart Foundation is to transform society’s response to sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse, support survivors’ healing, and end this violence forever. www.joyfulheartfoundation.org