INDIANAPOLIS – A new bill introduced in the Indiana House of Representatives seeks to address a growing backlog of untested rape kits in the state, a backlog that advocates say is harming survivors of sexual assault and preventing justice.
House Bill 1413, authored by Rep. Becky Cash (R-District 25), proposes the creation of a $2.5 million fund to help process the hundreds of rape kits currently awaiting DNA testing. According to Cash, there is currently a six- to eight-month wait for these kits to be processed, creating a significant delay in bringing justice to survivors.
The proposed fund would be made available starting in July 2026 and administered through the Indiana State Police to ensure the untested kits are processed.
Cash points to several key factors contributing to the backlog. One major issue is that Indiana’s crime labs lack the equipment to process the DNA from the collected kits. Additionally, the labs face difficulties in recruiting and retaining skilled employees due to wages that are not competitive with the private sector.
“Without the necessary resources and workforce, crime labs can’t keep up with the growing demand to process these critical pieces of evidence,” said Cash. “This backlog has lingered for too long, and it’s time we do something about it.”
Advocates for survivors of sexual assault have long called for action to address the untested rape kit issue, saying that the delay in processing these kits is detrimental to both the victims and the pursuit of justice. They emphasize the importance of timely testing in solving cases and preventing future assaults.
House Bill 1413 has already passed out of committee unanimously and is now set to be heard by the full House, where further amendments or changes may still be made. If passed, the bill would represent a significant step forward in addressing the untested rape kit backlog in Indiana.
Rep. Cash is hopeful that the bill will gain full support in the coming weeks, ultimately providing a solution to the pressing issue and helping to restore faith in the state’s commitment to supporting survivors and pursuing justice.
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