(1)(a) The sexual assault forensic examination best practices advisory group is established within the office of the attorney general for the purpose of reviewing best practice models for managing all aspects of sexual assault investigations and for reducing the number of untested sexual assault kits in Washington state.
(i) The caucus leaders from the senate shall appoint one member from each of the two largest caucuses of the senate.
(ii) The caucus leaders from the house of representatives shall appoint one member from each of the two largest caucuses of the house of representatives.
(iii) The attorney general, in consultation with the legislative members of the advisory group, shall appoint:
(A) One member representing each of the following:
(I) The Washington state patrol;
(II) The Washington association of sheriffs and police chiefs;
(III) The Washington association of prosecuting attorneys;
(IV) The Washington defender association or the Washington association of criminal defense lawyers;
(V) The Washington association of cities;
(VI) The Washington association of county officials;
(VII) The Washington coalition of sexual assault programs;
(VIII) The office of crime victims advocacy;
(IX) The Washington state hospital association;
(X) The office of the attorney general; and
(XI) A sexual assault nurse examiner; and
(B) Two members representing survivors of sexual assault.
(b) The appointed membership of the joint legislative task force on sexual assault forensic examination best practices transfers to the advisory group administered by the office of the attorney general pursuant to this section. However, the prior cochairs of the joint legislative task force on sexual assault forensic examination best practices may recommend that the attorney general replace appointees who were inactive or otherwise absent from previous meetings.
(2) The duties of the advisory group include, but are not limited to:
(a) Researching and determining the number of untested sexual assault kits in Washington state;
(b) Researching the locations where the untested sexual assault kits are stored;
(c) Researching, reviewing, and making recommendations regarding legislative policy options for reducing the number of untested sexual assault kits;
(d) Researching the best practice models both in state and from other states for collaborative responses to victims of sexual assault from the point the sexual assault kit is collected to the conclusion of the investigation and prosecution of a case, and providing recommendations regarding any existing gaps in Washington and resources that may be necessary to address those gaps;
(e) Researching, identifying, and making recommendations for securing nonstate funding for testing the sexual assault kits, and reporting on progress made toward securing such funding;
(f) Prior to the end of the moratorium under *RCW 70.125.101, developing policies and submitting recommendations on the storage, retention, and destruction of unreported sexual assault kits as well as protocols for engaging with survivors associated with unreported sexual assault kits;
(g) Monitoring implementation of state and federal legislative changes;
(h) Collaborating with the legislature, state agencies, medical facilities, and local governments to implement reforms pursuant to federal grant requirements; and
(i) Making recommendations for institutional reforms necessary to prevent sexual assault and improve the experiences of sexual assault survivors in the criminal justice system.
(3) The office of the attorney general shall administer and provide staff support to the advisory group.
(4) Legislative members of the advisory group must be reimbursed for travel expenses in accordance with RCW 44.04.120. Nonlegislative members, except those representing an employer or organization, are entitled to be reimbursed for travel expenses in accordance with RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060.
(5) The advisory group must meet no less than twice annually.
(6) The advisory group shall report its findings and recommendations to the appropriate committees of the legislature and the governor by December 1st of each year.
(7) This section expires December 31, 2021.
[ 2019 c 93 § 1; 2018 c 299 § 921; 2017 c 290 § 2; 2015 c 247 § 2.]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note: RCW 70.125.101 expired June 30, 2020.
Effective date—2019 c 93 §§ 1, 2, and 8: "Sections 1, 2, and 8 of this act are necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and take effect immediately [April 23, 2019]." [ 2019 c 93 § 11.]
Effective date—2018 c 299: See note following RCW 43.41.433.