Atlanta Introduces Sexual Assault Kit Tracking System

News Summary

Atlanta’s Rep. Scott Holcomb has introduced the Sexual Assault Reform Act of 2025 to establish a state-wide tracking system for sexual assault kits. This groundbreaking initiative aims to enhance evidence management, increase transparency for victims, and ensure timely handling of sexual assault cases in Georgia. The proposed law includes the formation of an advisory committee to oversee training and standardize procedures, ensuring victims have a clearer path to justice and support throughout the investigation process.

Atlanta Takes a Bold Step Towards Justice with New Sexual Assault Kit Tracking System

In a sweeping move aimed at reforming the way sexual assault cases are handled, Atlanta’s Rep. Scott Holcomb has introduced the Sexual Assault Reform Act of 2025. This exciting new bill is designed to establish a statewide sexual assault kit tracking system, making it easier for victims to follow up on their cases and ensuring that evidence is handled more effectively across Georgia.

Revolutionizing the Investigation Process

The Sexual Assault Reform Act of 2025 seeks to overhaul the current procedures surrounding sexual assault and rape investigations in the Peach State. One of the standout features of the bill is the establishment of the Forensic Medical Examination Advisory Committee, which will be responsible for creating new rules and training protocols for how forensic medical examinations and testing are conducted. This committee will include twelve members appointed by the Georgia governor, incorporating a diverse range of professionals, including certified forensic nurses, a prosecuting attorney, and a victims’ rights advocate.

Keeping Victims in the Loop

A highlight of the proposed legislation is its focus on transparency for victims. The bill introduces a detailed tracking system for evidence collected from sexual assault kits. This means that victims can perform anonymous status checks on their cases, providing them with a sense of control and involvement in the judicial process. Additionally, the law mandates that all evidence from sexual assault kits must be submitted to law enforcement within thirty days, unless the victim specifically requests otherwise in writing. This provision is a critical step toward ensuring that evidence is handled swiftly and responsibly.

Managing Evidence Effectively

The newly proposed Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC) will spearhead the creation and operation of the state-wide tracking system. They’ll work on making sure that this system is not only effective but also user-friendly. Interestingly, the CJCC may also contract private entities to help manage the tracking system, ensuring that the technology used can keep up with the demands of evidence management. This move is crucial, especially in light of past issues where thousands of untested rape kits have sat idle within Georgia’s evidence rooms.

Training for Caregivers

As part of the reform, the advisory committee will also work on establishing rigorous training protocols for Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners. This training will cover both forensic and clinical aspects, aiming to equip professionals with the skills they need to provide the best care to victims during examinations. By improving the training available to nurses, the legislation hopes to enhance the overall quality of care and support that victims receive.

Accountability Through Reporting

To maintain accountability within the system, the advisory committee is charged with collecting and reporting data on various aspects of sexual assault case handling. This includes monitoring the average time taken by law enforcement agencies to collect sexual assault kits, the number of kits generated, and the status of those kits—whether they have been tested or are still awaiting testing. These reports will be made available to state officials and published on the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s public website, ensuring that the public is informed about the progress of these reforms.

A Step Toward Justice

The new law comes at a critical juncture. Recent statistics from the GBI revealed that a staggering 2,298 sexual assault kits were tested between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024, while 480 kits remain untested, underscoring the urgent need for reform. Furthermore, evidence needs for DNA analysis were determined in 1,612 cases from kits submitted before 1999, with 837 of those cases having been tested by the end of June 2024.

Addressing Over-the-Counter Concerns

The legislation also aims to tackle the sale of over-the-counter sexual assault evidence kits, proposing a ban on their sale and imposing a fine of up to $1,000 for violations. This is an important aspect of ensuring that evidence is properly collected and handled only by qualified professionals.

Next Steps for the Bill

Currently, House Bill 518 has no co-sponsors in the Georgia House, although it has been scheduled for discussion by the Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee. The introduction of this bill promises to bring about meaningful change in the way sexual assault cases are handled, prioritizing victim rights and forensic integrity.

As Georgia moves forward in its commitment to justice for survivors of sexual assault, the Sexual Assault Reform Act of 2025 could be a pivotal step toward improving transparency, accountability, and ultimately, healing for victims across the state.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Additional Resources

• WSBTV: GA Lawmaker Pushes for Sexual Assault Kit Testing Reform
• Fox 5 Atlanta: Great Results from Georgia’s New Sex Assault Kit Tracking System
• OCG News: Two Brothers Indicted in Decades-Old Home Invasion Rape Cases
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Sexual Assault Reform
• 11 Alive: Atlanta Rapper Promoter Sentenced to Life in Prison
• Google Search: Sexual Assault Reform Georgia