INDIANAPOLIS (NETWORK INDIANA) — The state of Indiana has a large backlog of untested rape kits, the most out of all states in the Midwest and the second most in the whole country behind California. In all, there are around 6,600 rape kits that have gone untested for various reasons and lawmakers are eager to get to the bottom of why this many kits have gone untested. State Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn (D-Fishers) is behind a bill that would require state agencies to create an annual report on these rape kits. “We operate in silos and so the very best thing to do is to take away our silos and to come together and to thoughtfully understand an issue. That’s what this proposal is. It’s not a blame game,” she said on WISH-TV. This report will detail all the facets surrounding the rape kits each year. With the data collected for the report, the state can then determine what course of action must be taken in order to ensure all rape kits end up getting tested. “That could be anything from addressing rape kits, addressing the crime labs, addressing the workforce shortages,” Wilburn said. The bill has overwhelming support of top law enforcement officials in Indiana, including Hamilton County prosecutor Joshua Kocher. “Justice delayed is justice denied,” he said. “So, if we’re waiting to get results of forensic tests before we make a decision that’s how much longer before we can even file charges and get things going in the first place.” Timing is certainly paramount since the statute of limitation to prosecute a rape case in Indiana is five years after the rape was committed. “We need to know the scope of the issue and I think it’s important before the legislators make a choice or make a decision, as it relates to funding,” said Marion County prosecutor Ryan Mears. “What needs to be done? You need to have these data points. You need to have this information gathered.” The new legislative session begins on Jan. 8. The post Indiana lawmakers to mull bill mandating testing for rape kits appeared first on WOWO News/Talk 92.3 FM and 1190 AM.