Bill Overview
Title: Backlog Justice Act of 2022
Description: This bill requires certain actions to address the backlog of untested sexual assault kits. For example, the bill (1) directs the Bureau of Justice Assistance to establish a publicly accessible online database regarding untested kits, and (2) requires the Department of Justice to provide an increased amount of certain grant funding for states that have in place electronic evidence tracking systems for these kits.
Sponsors: Rep. Cleaver, Emanuel [D-MO-5]
Target Audience
Population: Sexual assault survivors awaiting justice
Estimated Size: 4000000
- There are approximately 25 million DNA samples from sexual assault kits in backlogs worldwide.
- The legislation specifically aims to reduce the backlog of untested sexual assault kits which directly affect victims waiting for justice.
- Considering the global prevalence of sexual assault crimes, the affected individuals are largely sexual assault survivors.
- The improvement in electronic evidence tracking systems could also indirectly benefit law enforcement agencies and the judicial system globally.
Reasoning
- The policy targets a specific group of individuals, namely sexual assault survivors who have pending untested kits. The size of this population is estimated to be around 4 million within the United States, although not all might experience a significant impact from this policy.
- The budget constraints require focusing the resources on states or regions with the highest backlog and implementing effective tracking systems with the technological infrastructure already in place or easily adaptable.
- The policy could indirectly benefit law enforcement agencies and the judicial system by speeding up the processes involved in crime resolution and judicial procedures.
- Most impacted individuals will be those actively seeking justice and resolution for their cases, while others, although part of the target population, may not experience immediate or perceivable changes due to other personal circumstances or state policies.
Simulated Interviews
freelance writer (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm hopeful this policy will finally bring some progress to my case and others like mine.
- It's frustrating waiting so long; this is a step in the right direction but must be implemented effectively.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 2 |
nurse (Austin, TX)
Age: 26 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think it's important work. My case is resolved, but I know many people who are still waiting.
- It's comforting knowing something is being done to help others get justice.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
police officer (Chicago, IL)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Addressing the backlog will help us close cases faster and serve victims better.
- No more victims should be left waiting due to administrative issues.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
lawyer (New York, NY)
Age: 54 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This act can make a significant difference if implemented correctly with the community in mind.
- It will build trust between survivors and the justice system, which is much needed.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 3 |
student (Miami, FL)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I had no idea this was an issue, but it's good to know it's being handled.
- Awareness and understanding are crucial, so more people know about these backlogs.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
software engineer (Seattle, WA)
Age: 40 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm glad resources are being allocated to fix this systemic issue.
- Technology can greatly help in tracking and solving cases faster when used properly.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
college student (Denver, CO)
Age: 22 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 18/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's crucial for justice that these backlogs get cleared.
- I hope similar policies can address other systemic issues in the justice system.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
social worker (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 38 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Every kit tested is a step towards justice and closure for survivors.
- It's important this isn't just a short-term fix but a lasting change.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
policy advisor (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could set a precedent for tackling other evidence processing backlogs.
- It highlights the need for continued government investment in forensic sciences and related technology.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
survivor support advocate (Boston, MA)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Survivors need both justice and healing, and clearing the backlog is part of the justice.
- I hope this leads to more comprehensive reform in handling these cases.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $50000000 (Low: $30000000, High: $70000000)
Year 2: $45000000 (Low: $25000000, High: $65000000)
Year 3: $40000000 (Low: $20000000, High: $60000000)
Year 5: $35000000 (Low: $15000000, High: $55000000)
Year 10: $30000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $50000000)
Year 100: $30000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $50000000)
Key Considerations
- Ensuring privacy and data security for individuals involved.
- The scalability and interoperability of the database and tracking systems across different states and jurisdictions.
- Potential barriers or resistance from states lacking existing infrastructure or funding to implement electronic evidence tracking systems.
- Long-term benefits of reducing untested kit backlogs leading to more timely justice, which is not only a societal imperative but also may have economic benefits.