HB626: HB626 Criminal procedure; extend retention period of evidence of sexual assault when victim elects not to immediately report assault

26 LC 48 1769S The House Committee on Judiciary, Non Civil offers the following substitute to HB 626: A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT To amend Code Section 17-5-71 of the Official Code of Georgia A nnotated, relating to1 preservation of evidence, so as to extend the retention period of evidence of sexual assault2 when the victim chooses not to immediately report the assault; to provide for a short title; to3 provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.4 BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:5 SECTION 1.6 This Act shall be known and may be cited as the "Stephanie Colquitt-Shurman Act of 2026."7 SECTION 2.8 Code Section 17-5-71 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to preservation of9 evidence, is amended by revising subsection (b) as follows:10 "(b) If the victim chooses not to report the alleged sexual assault to law enforcement at the11 time of evidence collection, the law enforcement agency with jurisdiction shall maintain12 any physical evidence collected as a result of such alleged sex ual assault that contains13 biological material, including, but not limited to, stains, fluids, or hair samples that relate14 H. B. 626 (SUB) - 1 - 26 LC 48 1769S to the identity of the perpetrator of the alleged sexual assault, for not less than 12 months15 30 years from the date any such physical evidence is collected."16 SECTION 3.17 All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.18 H. B. 626 (SUB) - 2 -