UT HB0459

Adult victims of sexual offenses (18+, non-vulnerable) may choose to receive medical treatment without reporting to law enforcement, or provide either a full report or a limited report containing only anonymized demographic information (gender, age band, zip code)

Sexual assault kits can be designated as "restricted kits" where victims opt for limited reporting; restricted kits may be stored without testing or subjected to forensic testing by the Bureau of Forensic Services without results being compared to DNA databases or used for investigation

Victims who choose limited reporting or no reporting receive the same medical treatment and evidence collection services at no charge as victims who provide full reports to law enforcement

Law enforcement may contact victims through a victim advocate if a potential serial sexual offender is identified and evidence from a restricted kit may be relevant, giving victims the option to convert their restricted kit to unrestricted status

Mandatory reporting to law enforcement remains required when victims are minors (17 or younger), vulnerable adults, or sustained serious bodily injury; effective date is January 1, 2027 for sexual offenses