129th MAINE LEGISLATURE
LD 396 LR 690(03)
An Act To Support Justice for Victims of Sexual Assault by Increasing the Time Sexual Assault Forensic Examination Kits Must Be Stored
Fiscal Note for Bill as Engrossed with:
C "A" (H-113)
Committee: Criminal Justice and Public Safety
             
Fiscal Note
Minor cost increase - General Fund
Minor revenue increase - General Fund
Minor revenue increase - Other Special Revenue Funds
Correctional and Judicial Impact Statements
The additional workload associated with the minimal number of new cases filed in the court system does not require additional funding at this time.
The collection of additional fine revenue will increase General Fund and dedicated revenue by minor amounts.
Fiscal Detail and Notes
The bill increases the period of time a law enforcement agency must store a sexual assault forensic examination kit from 90 days to 8 years. This change could make evidence available for longer periods of time, potentially increasing the number of cases and convictions for sexual assault. However, the number of new cases and convictions is expected to be minimal and the Maine Commission on Indigent Legal Services and the Department of Corrections do not require additional funding at this time.

Additional costs to the Department of Public Safety associated with this legislation can be absorbed within existing budgeted resources.