HARRISBURG, PA — A statewide system has been proposed that would allow rape victims in Pennsylvania to track online the progress of the DNA evidence collected as part of their case.

DNA testing is not immediate and often involves a prolonged period before results are finalized, said PA Sen. Lisa Baker (R, 20). She chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee, which is sponsoring a bill to establish the tracking system.

Baker said the Pennsylvania State Police has been tackling the backlog of DNA evidence testingm but that the process is time-consuming.

“We are in sympathy with the victims who are forced to cope with a system that is drawn out under the best of circumstances, a situation aggravated by the backlog of cases,” Baker said. “Each day without knowledge of the perpetrator exacerbates their trauma and suffering. This legislation would allow them to track the progress of their rape kit and know the precise timeline and location.”

Senate Bill 920 implements the recommendations of Act 70 of 2022 requiring the state police, in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape, to study the resources required for a statewide rape kit tracking system.

The Senate Judiciary Committee proposed another bill, Senate Bill 1127, that would require a prosecutor to notify the U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) whenever a criminal defendant is an illegal immigrant.

“This bill will establish uniformity across the state, providing more accountability in the process and ensuring that no individual, regardless of their immigration status, evades responsibility for criminal actions,” Baker said. “Cooperation between law enforcement agencies is not just a matter of protocol, but a vital commitment to upholding the rule of law and safeguarding our society.”