Maryland Senate votes to expand funding for sexual assault kit testing and victim support

In a pivotal session of the Maryland General Assembly's Judicial Proceedings Committee, lawmakers gathered to discuss the pressing issue of untested sexual assault kits, a topic that has haunted the state for years. The atmosphere was charged with urgency as Senator Katie Hettleman highlighted the progress made since the establishment of a grant program aimed at addressing the backlog of these kits, which once numbered over 6,000.

Senator Hettleman recounted her conversations with law enforcement officials who expressed frustration over insufficient resources to tackle the backlog. The committee learned that federal funding from the Department of Justice has played a crucial role in testing historical kits, with Maryland now in the second phase of this funding initiative. However, the clock is ticking, as these federal funds must be utilized by September, prompting a proactive approach to expedite testing.

Lisa Jordan from the Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault passionately supported Senate Bill 669, which seeks to expand the use of existing state funds to ensure continued testing and support for victims. She emphasized the importance of having a backup plan in case federal funding falls short, stating that the bill mandates the state to allocate funds for testing and victim support if necessary. Jordan's testimony underscored the emotional toll on survivors, sharing the story of a woman named Emily, whose untested kit led to years of fear until it was finally analyzed, revealing a serial offender already incarcerated.

The committee also heard from Jane Krinkke of the Maryland Hospital Association, who stressed the need for expanded telehealth services to support forensic exam programs, particularly in rural areas. She noted that many hospitals rely on grant funding, making the expansion of these resources critical for maintaining essential services.

Despite the progress, questions lingered about the pace of testing and the efficiency of government processes. Senator West voiced frustration over the slow progress since the fund's inception in 2019, prompting discussions about the complexities of outsourcing testing to private labs due to limited state capacity.

As the session concluded, the committee members were left with a sense of urgency and determination to push forward with Senate Bill 669. The bill aims not only to address the backlog but also to ensure that survivors receive the support they need, reinforcing the state's commitment to justice for victims of sexual assault. The path ahead remains challenging, but the voices of advocates and lawmakers alike signal a renewed commitment to tackling this critical issue head-on.