Texas Program Helps End Rape Kit Backlog

The Texas Department of Public Safety is making a case for ending cases. Sexual offense cases, that is. With help from public donations, a new program is helping end the backlog of untested sexual assault evidence kits.

Giving to this cause is simple, and Texans can help make a difference while doing something very few enjoy — making a trip to the DMV.

The program, which has been up and running since Jan. 8, has already collected more than 8,900 donations, which totals up to nearly $25,000 in donations. Texas DPS announced the program Thursday in a conference at the Garland Driver License Center.

The program to end the backlog came as part of House Bill 1729, which was passed in 2017 and authored by State Representative Victoria Neave. The Sexual Assault Evidence Testing Grant program allows Texans to make voluntary donations while conducting any driver's license transactions.

All funds collected will go to the Sexual Assault Evidence Testing Grant program, which is administered by the Criminal Justice Division of the Office of the Governor.

Click here to read HB 1729 in its entirety.

Associated Press file photo: Sexual assault evidence collection kits are shown during committee meeting at the Utah State Capitol in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)