Requires sexual assault forensic evidence to be preserved for 10 years.

This bill requires that forensic evidence collected during sexual assault investigations in New Jersey be kept for at least 10 years, extending to 10 years after a minor victim turns 18. It applies to various custodians, including law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, courts, and healthcare facilities, and mandates that they notify victims within 30 days of collection that the evidence may be discarded after the preservation period. The law also allows county prosecutors or the Division of Criminal Justice to authorize destruction after the deadline, provided they offer the Division a chance to take custody of the items. By updating current guidelines that previously required only five years of retention, the legislation aims to ensure evidence remains available for potential future use.