HB1739 Summary: Sexual Assault Survivors Emergency Treatment Act

• Amends the Sexual Assault Survivors Emergency Treatment Act to extend implementation deadlines for qualified medical providers from January 1, 2022 to January 1, 2023 and updates definitions for treatment facilities, including approval for federally qualified health centers to provide medical forensic services during public health emergencies.

• Requires hospitals and health care facilities to provide sexual assault survivors with minimum medical forensic services including evidence collection using Illinois State Police kits, STI/HIV evaluation and care, emergency contraception information, and follow-up healthcare coordination within 90 days.

• Establishes a statewide electronic sexual assault evidence tracking system administered by the Department of State Police that allows survivors to track evidence status in real-time and requires notification of DNA testing results within 7 days of laboratory receipt.

• Requires law enforcement to notify sexual assault survivors about the tracking system and provide written information about medical services, evidence collection timelines (within 7 days), available hospitals, and that forensic evidence will not be used to prosecute survivors for drug or alcohol use.

• Strengthens victims' rights including prohibiting direct billing for sexual assault medical services, establishing procedures for victim representation and participation in court proceedings, and providing remedies for violations including mandatory training for non-compliant personnel.