Preservation of sexual assault forensic evidence extended

Individuals who have undergone a sexual assault forensic examination can request law enforcement to preserve their forensic evidence for an additional 20 years under a bill passed by senators April 11. 

LB870, introduced by Omaha Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh, requires law enforcement to notify an individual of the intended destruction or disposal of such evidence no later than 60 days before the end of the statutorily required retention period. 

A law enforcement agency is not required to provide such notice for forensic evidence that was provided anonymously. Under the bill, an individual also may request to be informed when there is a status change in their case.

LB870 passed on a 47-0 vote.