Rape kit bill advances, but lawmakers wonder if funds for it will, too

A bill to require the testing of all rape kits passed its next-to-last step on Monday. But a big question remains whether lawmakers also will fund the $2.4 million that it would require for new lab technicians to implement.

The Senate Judiciary Committee voted 4-0 to approve HB200, and sent it to the full Senate for consideration. It previously passed the House 69-0.

Rep. Angela Romero, D-Salt Lake City, sponsored the bill, which would give Utah's law enforcement agencies 30 days to submit rape kits to the Utah Crime Lab after collection, and mandate that they be processed as possible.

It would also create a tracking system for rape kits and trauma-sensitivity training for Utah law enforcement.

Read more: http://www.sltrib.com/news/4992142-155/rape-kit-bill-advances-but-lawmakers