This bill proposes significant updates to the rights of sexual assault survivors in Arizona by amending existing statutes and adding new provisions. Key insertions include establishing that communications between a sexual assault survivor and a sexual assault victim advocate are confidential and privileged, even during medical examinations or law enforcement interviews. It also grants survivors the right to consult with an advocate during medical examinations and interviews, ensures they are not charged for medical costs related to the evidentiary examination, and mandates that they receive information about their rights and available resources at the outset of their interaction with law enforcement or medical providers.

Additionally, the bill introduces several specific rights for sexual assault survivors, such as the right to have counsel present during interactions with the legal system, the right to a prompt analysis of sexual assault kit evidence, and the right to not be subjected to a polygraph examination as a prerequisite for participating in the criminal justice process. It also outlines the responsibilities of law enforcement and medical providers in informing survivors of their rights and providing necessary documentation. Overall, these updates aim to enhance the support and protection of sexual assault survivors within the legal and medical frameworks.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 12-2240, 13-4444, 13-3620