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Rette Speight
Rep. Tim Cosgrove, D-Murray, wants sexual assault victims to have a time window to decide whether to report a crime.
Cosgrove presented a bill to the House of Representatives on Monday that would allow law enforcement agencies to dispose of sexual assault forensic examinations after 120 days if a victim hasn't contacted them. This, Cosgrove said, will give victims a window of time to talk to a friend, a family member, a clergy member or receive counseling.
"Rape and assault victims are not reporting these crimes," Cosgrove said. "We need to provide them this crucial time that sets to floor so they can go get help. They need that additional reinforcement to get the support, and then come forward and report these crimes."
Cosgrove said that there is no law right now that requires law enforcement to take the evidence if the victim chooses not to be interviewed or not to press charges.
Rep. Mike Morley, R-Spanish Fork, was the only representative to vote against the bill, saying that giving a specific window of time only allows an opportunity for defendants to wait out the time.
Victims of rape and assault currently have eight years to pursue these types of crimes. Morley said that lawmakers might be lowering the limitations to 120 days by passing the bill.
"There could be instances where individuals would be fearful of bringing forth a case of rape ... and a few years down the road when that is no longer an issue they may choose to press charges and take advantage of their statute of limitations," Morley said.
Cosgrove said that law enforcement stands in support of the bill and would like to see the window even longer.
"They're trying to protect and provide for public safety, so they're willing to work with us," Cosgrove said.
The bill came onto the floor with a 90-day window and after some concern expressed from a few legislators, the bill was amended to 120 days. The bill passed the House floor unanimously after the amendment. It now goes to the Senate.
HB 181
Sponsored by: Tim Cosgrove, D-Murray
Disposition of Potential Evidence -- This bill would allow law enforcement agencies to dispose of sexual assault forensic examinations after 120 days if a victim hasn't contacted them.
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