PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
May 14, 2025
2700 N. Central Ave, Suite 1100
Phoenix, AZ 85004
602-279-2900
media@acesdv.org
PHOENIX, May 14, 2025 — The Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence (ACESDV) proudly announces the passage of House Bill 2581, a critical piece of legislation that mandates the use of Arizona’s sexual assault kit tracking system by all jurisdictions statewide. This victory is a landmark step toward ensuring transparency, accountability, and survivor-centered justice in the handling of sexual assault evidence.
“This law is a promise kept to survivors: that their experience matters, that their evidence won’t be forgotten, and that our systems will work for them and not against them,” said Jenna Panas, CEO of ACESDV. “The trauma of sexual assault is compounded when survivors are left in the dark. HB 2581 brings light and accountability to a process that at times has lacked both.”
The legislation follows years of advocacy despite the availability of a statewide tracking system. Adoption was not universal across all agencies, leaving many survivors unable to access updates on their kits and potentially creating gaps in accountability.
HB 2581 remedies this by:
- Requiring full participation in the tracking system by all law enforcement;
- Ensuring survivors have secure access to status updates at every stage of the process;
- Standardizing accountability across Arizona for the timely handling and testing of sexual assault kits.
ACESDV extends deep gratitude to bill sponsor Rep. Selina Bliss and the bipartisan coalition of lawmakers who supported the bill through its journey, despite early pushback and attempts to weaken it. The final version passed both chambers and was signed by Governor Hobbs on May 13th.
“This legislation was shaped by survivors who spoke up, by community members who demanded better, and by a legislature willing to act,” said Panas. “It is a testament to what’s possible when survivors are believed, and when systems commit to change.”
ACESDV remains committed to supporting jurisdictions in implementation, ensuring survivor access, and advancing further reforms that uphold dignity and justice for all survivors in Arizona.
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About ACESDV:
The Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence (ACESDV) is the statewide leader advancing safety, justice, and healing for survivors through systemic advocacy, training, and technical assistance. ACESDV operates Arizona’s only statewide sexual and domestic violence helpline and serves as the central resource hub for service providers, communities, and policymakers.
Visit our websites: www.acesdv.org and www.arizonasurvivors.org
Find ACESDV on Facebook: facebook.com/ACESDV
See ACESDV on Instagram: instagram.com/ACESDVORG
Contact:
Jenna Panas, CEO
Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence
info@acesdv.org | (602) 279-2900