SB41 Summary: Sexual Assault Survivors Bill of Rights

• Sexual assault survivors have the right to receive a medical forensic examination without being prevented from doing so or charged for the examination.

• Law enforcement must preserve sexual assault evidence collection kits or their contents for at least 20 years, or until the survivor reaches age 40 if the assault occurred when they were a minor.

• The Attorney General must develop a written notification document detailing survivor rights, including information about medical examinations, evidence preservation, test results access, protective orders, and victim compensation funds, to be distributed by law enforcement or medical providers upon initial contact.

• The Attorney General shall establish a Sexual Assault Task Force with representatives from law enforcement, prosecution, medical associations, forensic sciences, victim advocacy organizations, and the legislature to develop and implement best practices for survivor care and evidence preservation.

• The task force must submit a report to the Attorney General, Legislature, and Governor within two years of the act's effective date containing findings and recommended actions.