Sen. Duson applauds inclusion of sexual assault forensic kit tracking in supplemental budget passed by Legislature, signed by Governor

AUGUSTA — Today, Senate Assistant Majority Leader Jill C. Duson, D-Portland, applauded the inclusion of funding for testing and tracking Sexual Assault Forensic Examination (SAFE) Kits and funding to support victims of crime in the supplemental budget passed by the Maine Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Janet Mills last week.

“When unthinkable acts of violence occur, it’s critical that survivors seeking a forensic examination kit or help navigating a complex legal system can access services without barriers or uncertainty,” said Sen. Duson. “Through this budget, we will send a message to survivors across Maine that we see them, we hear them and we trust them to seek justice how they choose, in accordance with the law.”

The life-changing and life-saving services included in the supplemental budget support survivors of crime and sexual violence by stabilizing critical Victims of Crime Act (VOCA)-funded services that are facing a federal funding shortfall. These services include crisis hotlines, shelter and court advocacy. The budget also establishes a long-needed statewide SAFE kit tracking system. Together, these efforts help ensure survivors can access support without barriers and pursue justice on their own terms.

In the 132nd Legislature, Sen. Duson introduced LD 1816, a bill to establish a statewide SAFE kit tracking system and conduct an inventory of the kits in the possession of law enforcement. The language in the supplemental budget is consistent with LD 1816. Sen. Duson’s advocacy and collaboration with the Governor’s office and the statewide sexual assault prevention coalition enabled this critical funding to get across the finish line.

The 2026 supplemental budget delivers for working families, prioritizing stability and responsibility through a targeted tax increase on those earning more than $1M per year, allowing the state to respond to real pressures facing Maine people — from rising housing and energy costs, to child care access and health care, while maintaining discipline around ongoing spending and preparing for continued economic uncertainty. It will go into effect 90 days after the Legislature adjourns.

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