Maryland Sexual Assault Evidence Kit Policy and Funding Committee

In January 2017, the Maryland Office of the Attorney General released a report 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). 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.

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

Learn more about the Committee’s pur​pose and ba​ckground ​

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 pa​ge​

More Information

​​​Resources​

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

​Annual Reports​

​​January 2025	Annual Report
February 8, 2024	Supplemental Report for HB758/SB789, Sexual Assault Evidence Kits – Preservation and Storage Report
January 2024	Annual Report
January 2023	Annual Report
December 1, 2023	HB758/SB789, Sexual Assault Evidence Kits – Preservation And Storage Report
January 2022	Annual Report
January 2021	Annual Report​
January 2020	Annual Report
January 2019	Annual Report
April 2018	Preliminary Recommendations
January 2017	Initial Report

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Past Meetings

Wednesday, December 4, 2024	Agenda	—
Thursday, September 19, 2024	Agenda	—
Wednesday, June 5, 2024	Agenda	—
Thursday, March 7, 2024	Agenda	—
Tuesday, September 12, 2023	Agenda	—​
Thursday, June 8, 2023	Agenda	—
Tuesday, March 7, 2023	Agenda	—
Thursday, December 8, 2022	Agenda	—
Thursday, September 8, 2022	Agenda	—
Wednesday, June 8, 2022	Agenda	Meeting Minutes
March 8, 2022	Agenda	—
December 2, 2021	Agenda	—
September 9, 2021	Agenda	—
June 8, 2021	Agenda	—
March 9, 2021	Agenda	Minutes
December 3, 2020	Agenda	—
September 10, 2020	Agenda	—
June 9, 2020	—	—
March 10, 2020	Agenda	Minutes
December 10, 2019	Agenda	—
September 25, 2019	Agenda	—
SAKI Site Visit Debriefing - September 4, 2019	Agenda	—
SAKI Site Visit - August 8-9, 2019	Agenda	—
May 30, 2019	Agenda	Meeting Summary
Jan. 17, 2019	Agenda	Meeting Summary
Oct. 10, 2018	Agenda	Meeting Summary
April 12, 2018	Agenda	Meeting Summary
Feb. 6, 2018	Agenda	Meeting Summary
Jan. 18, 2018	Agenda	Meeting Summary
Oct. 17, 2017	Agenda	Meeting Summary

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