Law Requires Law Enforcement to Tally Untested Rape Kits

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota law enforcement agencies are starting to count how many untested rape kits they have as state officials aim to tackle a backlog.

The effort started Saturday as part of a new law passed by the Legislature this year. It required each agency to report its backlog to the state with an explanation for why they weren't processed.

The kits are gathered by hospitals to preserve evidence of an alleged sexual assault. The state's Bureau of Criminal Apprehension will report the statewide tally to lawmakers in December.