HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania House of Representatives today approved legislation introduced by Sen. Tracy Pennycuick (R-24), Sen. Wayne Langerholc, Jr. (R-35) and Sen. Rosemary Brown (R-40) to expedite the testing of rape kits, moving it a step closer to enactment.
Senate Bill 1212 addresses this issue by removing discretionary language and establishing a more consistent statewide standard. The legislation requires that sexual assault evidence that has been collected but has not yet undergone DNA testing or other appropriate forensic analysis be treated consistently across Pennsylvania.
“Survivors’ evidence should not sit untested due to inconsistent local practices,” said Pennycuick. “By clarifying the law, Senate Bill 1212 seeks to strengthen accountability, improve consistency in the handling and tracking of sexual assault evidence, and support survivors’ ability to access information about their cases.”
“Every rape kit collected in this commonwealth should be tested,” said Langerholc. “I am proud to have partnered with Senators Pennycuick and Brown to strengthen our efforts to empower survivors and enhance community safety.”
“Survivors of sexual assault deserve to know their cases are being taken seriously and that every effort is being made to pursue justice,” said Brown. “Ensuring evidence is properly tested and handled consistently across Pennsylvania strengthens accountability to support survivors and improve public safety.”
For years, Pennsylvania has worked to address the backlog of untested sexual assault evidence kits and ensure survivors receive the urgency, dignity and transparency they deserve. Through Act 122 of 2024, the commonwealth advanced a statewide sexual assault evidence tracking system to help survivors better understand the status of their kits throughout the process. However, as identified in the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency’s annual report, gaps in current law continue to contribute to delays.
Under the existing definition of “awaiting testing,” language allows local law enforcement agencies to determine whether a sexual assault evidence kit should undergo DNA testing or other forensic analysis, creating the potential for inconsistent practices across the commonwealth.
The Senate passed the measure unanimously in June. The bill now goes to the governor for his signature.
CONTACT: Matthew Szuchyt (Sen. Pennycuick)
CONTACT: Gwenn Dando (Sen. Langerholc)
CONTACT: Brooks Hanna (Sen. Brown)