HB 1184 Summary

• Repeals IC 16-21-8 and creates new IC 35-33-15 establishing a coordinated response framework for sexual assault victims with requirements for medical forensic examinations, evidence handling, and victim services.

• Requires law enforcement officers, providers, and victim advocates to conduct medical forensic examinations at sexual assault treatment centers when practicable, or at hospitals if no treatment center is available.

• Defines "sexual assault forensic examiner" (SAFE) as a registered nurse, nurse practitioner, physician, or physician assistant trained to conduct medical forensic examinations, collect evidence, and provide expert testimony.

• Mandates counties establish sexual assault response teams (SARTs) or regional teams with multidisciplinary membership including law enforcement, providers, victim advocates, and prosecutors, with development of evidence-based protocols for evidence collection, preservation, storage, tracking, testing, and destruction.

• Prohibits charging victims for medical forensic examinations and additional medical services, with the victim services division providing reimbursement; establishes support for anonymous kits with five-year secure storage requirements.