MN SF3317

Shifts payment responsibility for sexual assault forensic examinations from counties to the state, with hospitals and health care providers submitting costs to the commissioner of public safety for reimbursement.

Caps the cost of examinations and associated tests at $1,400, including full rape kit examination, sexually transmitted disease testing, and pregnancy testing.

Establishes that examination cost payment is not contingent on victims reporting the crime to law enforcement and that victims cannot be billed directly for these costs.

Allows the state (previously counties) to seek insurance reimbursement from victims' insurers only with explicit victim authorization obtained after the examination is performed.

Imposes a $25,000 civil penalty per violation on hospitals or health care providers that directly bill victims for examination costs in violation of the statute.

Requires an appropriation of unspecified amount in fiscal year 2023 from the general fund to the commissioner of public safety to cover examination costs.

Takes effect July 1, 2022, and applies to all examinations occurring on or after that date.