The bill amends existing laws in Louisiana to enhance the rights and treatment of survivors of sexual assault, replacing the term "victims" with "survivors" throughout the legislation to promote a more empowering narrative. It establishes specific procedures for hospitals and healthcare providers, including the provision of medical attention without requiring a report to law enforcement, while mandating that survivors under eighteen must be reported. The bill ensures that survivors are treated in private spaces, have access to advocates during medical examinations, and prohibits direct billing for forensic medical examinations, requiring claims to be submitted to the Crime Victim Reparations Board.

Additionally, the legislation outlines the responsibilities of healthcare providers regarding the secure storage of evidence for a minimum of twenty years and mandates that hospitals must not refuse assistance based on jurisdictional issues. It emphasizes transparency by allowing survivors access to their medical and forensic records and establishes annual sexual assault response plans coordinated by the Louisiana Department of Health. Key provisions include new rights for survivors, such as receiving updates on their cases and having an advocate present during examinations, ultimately aiming to create a supportive and just environment for survivors of sexual assault in Louisiana.

Statutes affected:
SB124 Original: 40:1(A)(1)
SB124 Engrossed:
SB124 Enrolled:
SB124 Act 669: