In January of 2017, the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) issued a report on untested sexual assault evidence kits (SAEKs) in Maryland. The report recommended, among other improvements to SAEK policies and practices, the creation of a statewide oversight committee to develop uniform standards on SAEK availability, collecting, testing and storage.
The Sexual Assault Victims Resources Act of 2017 (SB734), passed by the Maryland General Assembly during the 2017 session, enacts this recommendation by establishing the Maryland Sexual Assault Evidence Kit Policy and Funding Committee. The Committee is chaired by the Attorney General or his designee and is responsible for developing and disseminating best practices and recommendations regarding: SAEK testing, retention, availability and funding; stakeholder coordination; the shortage of forensic nurses; and victim notification.
Pursuant to the Act, which went into effect on June 1, 2017, the Committee meets no less than each quarter. By January 1, 2019, and by January 1 annually thereafter, the Committee must report on its activities during the prior fiscal year to the Governor and the General Assembly. More detailed Committee background.
COUNCIL MEMBERS AND STAFF LIST - Updated 01/04/21
1/26/2024 - Sexual Assault Evidence Kit Policy Committee Submits 2024 Annual Report
1/13/2023 - Maryland AG Seeks to Preserve Massive Set of Sexual Assault Evidence - Propublica
8/5/2022 - SAEK Committee hosts a 3-part dialogue series to address: (1) Storing and Transferring SAEKs; (2) The SAKI Grant & Effective Collaboration; and (3) Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault. Click here for Flyer and registration information.
01/04/2021 - Sexual Assault Evidence Kit Policy Committee Submits 2021 Annual Report
11/17/2020 - MCASA Opens SAKI Information Lines for Sexual Assault Survivors
1/2/2020 - Sexual Assault Evidence Kit Policy Committee Submits 2020 Annual Report Committee Successfully Lobbied for Legislation Creating Uniform Testing and Rape Kit Testing Grant Fund
1/1/2020 - New FAQ document that provides guidance regarding the new testing criteria for sexual assault evidence kits. The legislation which created the new testing criteria, HB1096/SB767 (2019), is effective January 1, 2020.
10/22/2019 - GOCCP releases Notice of Funding Availability for $3.5 M grant fund to test sexual assault evidence kits.
4/10/2019 - The Maryland Sexual Assault Evidence Kit Policy and Funding Committee Celebrates Passage of Key 2019 Legislative Priorities
Supplemental Report for HB758/SB789, Sexual Assault Evidence Kits – Preservation and Storage Report - February 8, 2024
Thursday, September 19, 2024 AGENDA
Committee members may meet from time to time in smaller subcommittee groups. If you are interested in attending these sessions, please contact Rhea Harris at rharris@oag.state.md.us or 410-576-6590.
Expired Kit Letter from SAEK Committee
SAKI Grant: Testing Order & Protocol
SAEK Testing Flow Chart
Guidance to Law Enforcement Agencies on Documenting a Victim’s Request to Suspend or Limit an Investigation
SAKI Grant: Testing Order & Protocol
FAQ Document – Updated OAG SAEK Regulations (COMAR 02.08.01–.04)
FAQ Document – 15-day Expanded Reimbursement & Victim's Right to a Sexual Assault Forensic Exam
FAQ Document – New SAEK Testing Criteria - provides guidance regarding testing criteria for sexual assault evidence kits as of 1/1/2020
Untested Kit Review Guidelines & Case Review Forms
CODIS Hit Follow-Up & Cold Case Investigation Plan
HB1076 - Criminal Procedure – Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kits – Analysis
HB1141 - Criminal Procedure – Statewide Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kit Tracking System – Requirements
1-888-373-7888
233733
