The bill amends and reenacts several sections of Louisiana law to enhance the handling and tracking of sexual assault collection kits. It mandates that criminal justice agencies submit these kits to forensic laboratories within thirty days of receipt, regardless of whether the suspect is known. A new section, R.S. 15:624.1, establishes a statewide tracking system for sexual assault collection kits, which will be managed by the office of state police. This system will track the status and location of kits throughout the criminal justice process, allow victims to receive updates, and require participation from hospitals, law enforcement, and district attorneys by July 1, 2024. Additionally, the bill provides immunity for public agencies and healthcare providers regarding the release of information related to the tracking system.

The bill also revises provisions related to the reimbursement of healthcare providers for forensic medical exams. It ensures that victims of sexual assault are not billed for these exams and establishes a process for healthcare providers to receive direct payment from the Crime Victim Reparations Board. The language clarifies the definitions of "healthcare provider" and introduces "healthcare facility" to encompass various types of institutions providing healthcare services. Furthermore, it streamlines the reimbursement process, requiring payment to be made within thirty calendar days of attestation submission, and repeals a previous provision that may have complicated this process.

Statutes affected:
SB169 Original: 15:623(A), 40:1(A)(2), 46:1802(7), 46:1822(C), 40:1(A)(10)
SB169 Engrossed: 15:623(A), 40:1(A)(2), 46:1802(7), 46:1807(B)(7), 46:1822(C), 40:1(A)(10)
SB169 Enrolled: 15:623(A), 40:1(A)(2), 46:1802(7), 46:1807(B)(7), 46:1822(C), 40:1(A)(10)
SB169 Act 193: 15:623(A), 40:1(A)(2), 46:1802(7), 46:1807(B)(7), 46:1822(C), 40:1(A)(10)