New Jersey has made a big change that matters. Survivors of sexual assault can now track their forensic evidence kits online in real time. This system gives people the ability to see what is happening with their case, without needing to chase down answers. The change comes through a law signed in January 2025, known as Bill S715/A908. It is a clear step forward for survivor rights and transparency.
NJ Injury Lawyers, P.C., supports these efforts. Our firm is proud to stand with survivors throughout New Jersey. This post covers what the new system is, how it came to be, how it works, what it means for survivors, and how our firm supports this kind of progress.
How the Law Was Passed
The bill that created this system was signed into law on January 23, 2025, by Governor Phil Murphy. It passed with full support in both the Assembly and the Senate. This level of agreement shows just how important the issue is to lawmakers across the state.
The new law told the Attorney General’s Office to build an online system that lets survivors and professionals track the movement of sexual assault kits. It also involves law enforcement, lab workers, and health care staff.
This law builds on a 2023 change that extended the time evidence must be kept—from five years to twenty. It also required all submitted kits to be tested with consent. Together, these efforts aim to fix old problems and prevent new ones from happening.
When the System Launched
After the bill became law, the Attorney General’s Office received two million dollars in federal funding to get the system up and running. Over the next year, they worked with other state agencies to make sure the system was secure and useful.
The law gave a deadline of August 1, 2025. The system went live just before that, with the public launch announced at the end of July.
How the Tracking System Works
When a survivor goes to a hospital for a forensic exam, a kit is created. That kit comes with a special code. With that code, the survivor can log into a secure website to follow where the kit goes and what stage it is in.
This might include when the kit is collected, when it arrives at a lab, when testing begins, and when testing is finished. If anything happens after that—such as the case being closed or charges being filed—that too may be tracked.
The goal is to make sure survivors are never left in the dark. There is no need to call a police officer, a nurse, or a prosecutor just to ask for an update. That alone can reduce stress and make the process feel more manageable. This system does not just support privacy. It also builds trust.
Why This Matters for Survivors
For many people who go through sexual assault, the process afterward can feel confusing and out of their hands. This tool helps shift some of that power back.
A survivor advocate explained it this way: being able to see progress in real time helps people feel less alone. Instead of waiting weeks or months without any updates, they can check on their own terms. The system also helps identify problems. If something gets delayed at a lab, the data will show it. If a kit gets misplaced, that too will be visible. This kind of oversight is rare, but necessary.
States that have tried similar systems report good results. Kits move through the system faster. Survivors are more likely to stay involved with their case. Mistakes get caught earlier. Organizations like the NJ Coalition Against Sexual Assault have praised this change. They see it as a way to rebuild trust and bring real accountability to a process that often lacked it.
How NJ Injury Lawyers, P.C. Can Help
We believe that survivors deserve support not just from the state but from legal professionals who know how to help. This new system gives survivors better access to evidence and case updates. But if anything goes wrong—such as delays in testing, mistakes in handling, or civil harm related to the assault—legal help may still be needed.
We are here to assist with those issues. Whether someone needs help understanding their rights or wants to take legal action, our team is ready to stand by their side. Progress like this shows how systems can improve. But personal justice still depends on the care and effort of people who are willing to fight for it.
Conclusion
New Jersey has launched a real-time SAFE kit tracking system that puts information in the hands of survivors. It is a major change that improves transparency and restores a sense of control.
At NJ Injury Lawyers, P.C., we support the values behind this effort and are here to help those seeking justice. If you or someone you know needs legal guidance after experiencing sexual violence, visit https://new-jersey-injury-lawyers.com.
