Healey proposes eliminating statute of limitations for rape when DNA evidence exists

"If the provision passes, it would allow for prosecutions beyond 15 years if investigators are able to determine a DNA match. To ensure that DNA evidence is preserved, the proposal would require all evidence collection kits in cases of sexual assault to be stored for a minimum of 15 years, the release said. Healey's budget recommendation itself lays out a more detailed set of guidelines for handling and preserving DNA evidence."

"Under Section 27 of the budget recommendation, Healey advised that law enforcement agencies must take possession of all sexual assault evidence kits within three days of their use. The kits must be stored in crime labs either by Massachusetts State Police or by local police departments for municipalities with a minimum population of 150,000, according to the recommendation. Law enforcement agencies are then required to test the kits and enter the full profile into the state's DNA database within 30 days, the recommendation said."

Governor Maura Healey proposes eliminating Massachusetts' 15-year statute of limitations for rape when a DNA match exists. The proposal requires all sexual assault evidence collection kits to be stored at least 15 years and includes detailed guidelines for handling and preserving DNA evidence. Under Section 27, law enforcement must take possession of kits within three days, store them in state or qualifying municipal crime labs, test kits, and enter full DNA profiles into the state database within 30 days. Massachusetts currently has one of the shortest rape deadlines nationwide, with only New Hampshire and North Dakota shorter. The administration also advanced a five-year plan addressing sex trafficking with nearly 200 action steps.

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