Arkansas

Arkansas has achieved five of six pillars. To achieve full reform, the state must grant survivors the right to know the status of their kits.

Reform Status

Some Reform

Testing Status

In-Process

Untested Kits

Now

Then

* According to sources in the state, there are currently approximately 260 untested kits in Arkansas.
** According to a report by the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory there were 2217 untested kits in Arkansas in 2016.

Pillar Count

5/6 Pillars

Arkansas has achieved five of six pillars. To achieve full reform, the state must grant survivors the right to know the status of their kits.

Statewide Inventory

Yes, the state has a recurring inventory.

Is the inventory recurring? Yes
Are law enforcement agencies and/or labs required to participate in the inventory? Yes
Does the law require to document the date of when each kit was collected? No
Does the law require a reason to be given as to why the kit was not submitted to a crime lab for testing? No
Does the law require untested kits to be counted? Yes

Test Backlogged Kits

In-Process, the state has committed to testing its backlogged kits.

Arkansas is eliminating its backlog through non-legislative means.

Test New Kits

Yes, all newly collected kits are being tested.

According to the law, how much time after a rape kit examination do hospitals have to notify law enforcement that a kit is ready to be picked up? Not specified
According to the law, after being notified, within what time frame is law enforcement required to pick up the kit? 3 Days
According to the law, after picking the kit up, within what time frame is law enforcement required to submit the kit to the lab? 15 Days
According to the law, after receiving the kit, within what time frame is the lab required to test the kit? 60 Days
Does the law allow crime labs to outsource kits for testing if they are unable to meet the deadline? Not specified

Implement Tracking System

Yes, tracking system in use.

Does the law state that the tracking system should track initial collection at hospital, inventory and storage by law enforcement, and testing and storage by state labs? Yes
Does the law state that the tracking system should track if kit a has been destroyed? No
Does the law allow all agencies who participate in the tracking system to update the status of a kit? Yes
Does the law state that the tracking system should have a victim portal? Yes
Does the law require law enforcement, labs, and hospitals to participate in the tracking system? Yes
Does the law state that all previously untested kits should be entered into the system? No

Victim's Right To Know

No, the state has not granted victims the right to notice and be informed on the status of their kit.

Do victims have the right to receive information of the location, testing date, and testing results of their kit? n/a
Do victims have the right to be informed when there is any change in the status of their case? n/a
Do victims have the right to receive notification before destruction of their kit? n/a
Are victims granted further preservation of the kit or its probative contents? n/a
Are victims provided with the contact information for the designated liaison(s) at the corresponding law enforcement agency at the time that a kit is collected? n/a
Do victims have the right to receive a physical document identifying their rights under law? n/a

Fund Reform

Yes, the state has allocated one-time funding.

See state reform timeline below.