HB137 - Sexual Assault Survivors Bill of Rights

• Sexual assault survivors have the right to receive medical forensic examinations without being prevented from or charged for the procedure; health care providers may bill insurers for these examinations.

• Law enforcement must preserve sexual assault evidence collection kits or their contents without charge for at least 20 years, or until the survivor reaches age 40 if they were a minor at the time of assault.

• The Attorney General must develop and distribute a written notification document to survivors upon initial contact with law enforcement or medical providers, detailing their rights including access to test results, preservation procedures, protective orders, and victim compensation information.

• A Sexual Assault Task Force is established, consisting of representatives from the Attorney General, Governor, District Attorneys Association, Department of Forensic Sciences, medical associations, legislature, and law enforcement, tasked with developing and disseminating best practices and national protocols regarding survivor care and evidence preservation.

• The act does not establish a standard of care for medical providers or modify existing medical liability laws, and becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and approval.