Maryland Sexual Assault Evidence Kit Policy and Funding Committee

In January 2017, the Maryland Office of the Attorney General released a report - PDF - 1.01 MB showing that many sexual assault evidence kits (SAEKs) in the state had not been tested. One of the key recommendations was to create a statewide committee to improve how these kits are handled.

Later that year, the Maryland General Assembly passed the Sexual Assault Victims Resources Act of 2017 (SB734 - PDF - 195.54 KB). This law created the Maryland Sexual Assault Evidence Kit Policy and Funding Committee. The Committee is led by the Attorney General or someone they choose.

What the Committee Does

The SAEK Committee works to improve the way Maryland handles sexual assault evidence kits. The Committee:

• Develops best practices for kit testing, storage, and funding
• Works with law enforcement, hospitals, and advocacy groups
• Looks for solutions to the shortage of forensic nurses
• Helps improve how and when victims are notified

The Committee meets at least four times a year and reports its work to the Governor and General Assembly every January. The last meeting was held on March 11, 2025 with the following Agenda - PDF - 115.93 KB.

If you are interested in attending these meetings or a smaller subcommittee group, please contact [email protected]​.

Learn more about the Committee’s purpose and background

How to Report a Concern

If you have concerns about how Maryland handles sexual assault cases or victims’ rights, you can:

• Call the Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault hotline
• Email the Committee at: SAEKreporting@oag​.state.md.us

About the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI)

SAKI is a national grant program run by the U.S. Department of Justice. It helps states like Maryland reduce the number of untested sexual assault evidence kits.

Visit Maryland’s SAKI page

More Information

Resources

• Sexual Assault Evidence Kit Policy Committee Submits 2025 Annual Report - PDF - 1.03 MB
• SAEK Testing Flow Chart - PDF - 260.85 KB
• Guidance to Law Enforcement Agencies on Documenting a Victim’s Request to Suspend or Limit an Investigation - PDF - 256.37 KB
• SAKI Grant: Testing Order & Protocol - PDF - 168.44 KB
• FAQ – Waivers of Testing, Investigation & the 30-Day Kit Testing Requirement - PDF - 152.09 KB
• FAQ – Updated OAG SAEK Regulations (COMAR 02.08.01–.04) - PDF - 143.1 KB
• FAQ – 15-Day Expanded Reimbursement & Victim's Right to Exam - PDF - 163.74 KB
• FAQ – New SAEK Testing Criteria (Effective 1/1/2020) - PDF - 266.03 KB
• Untested Kit Review Guidelines & Case Review Forms - PDF - 401.05 KB
• COMAR DHMH Regulations – Rape & Sexual Offenses - Physician & Hospital Charges
• COMAR DHMH Forensic Nurse Examiner Certification Requirements
• Statewide Accounting of Untested Sexual Assault Evidence Kits - PDF - 1.01 MB
• DHMH Report on Improving Access to Exams - PDF - 4.45 MB
• SB 734 - PDF - 175.14 KB – Sexual Assault Victims Resources Act of 2017

Annual Reports

Past Meetings