HCS/HB 1656 - This act makes changes related to sexual offenses.

This act allows the Department of Health and Senior Services provide rape kits and other materials to hospitals to aid in the identification of rape suspects.

This act changes the penalties for forcible rape, attempted forcible rape, forcible sodomy and attempted sodomy. For all of these crimes, the authorized terms are a maximum of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole and a minimum of ten years. However, if the person attempting these crimes inflicts serious physical injury, displays a deadly weapon or subject the victim to sexual intercourse with more than one person, the minimum sentence is increased to fifteen years.

This act also allows law enforcement agencies to obtain a saliva sample for the purpose of obtaining DNA samples as part of the agency's normal booking process for individuals arrested for a felony. A warrant is required for blood samples.
SARAH MORROW