In this episode of Jersey Rules, we discuss critical legislation signed into law by Governor Murphy in January 2025: Bill A908, which establishes a rape kit tracking system in New Jersey. This new law ensures that survivors of sexual assault are never left in the dark about their cases, providing transparency, security, and accountability in the handling of sexual assault forensic evidence kits (SAFE kits). Our guests include Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson, the bill’s primary sponsor, along with two key advocates from Younity (formerly Womanspace), a nonprofit dedicated to supporting survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Featured in this episode:

Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson (15th Legislative District), the primary sponsor of Bill A908 and a strong advocate for women's rights and justice reform.

Nathalie Nelson, CEO and President of Younity.

Varonda Kendrick, Younity’s Response Team Coordinator & Domestic Violence Victims Representative.

To lean more, visit assemblydems.com

*Trigger Warning: A note for our listeners: This episode includes discussion of sexual assault, rape kits, and the challenges survivors face in seeking justice. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault and needs support, help is available. You can call the New Jersey Statewide Sexual Violence Hotline at 1-800-601-7200, or connect with local organizations like Younity in Mercer County—whose members share their voices in this episode.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit assemblydems.substack.com

New Jersey’s SAFE Kit Law with Assemblywoman Reynolds-Jackson