This bill amends and reenacts several provisions of Louisiana law related to the rights of sexual assault survivors and the confidentiality of crime victims. Key amendments include the preservation of sexual assault collection kits for a minimum of twenty years, with the right for survivors to be notified of their rights. Additionally, the bill introduces new provisions that clarify the confidentiality of victims' identities, particularly for minors and victims of sex offenses or human trafficking-related offenses, while also outlining exceptions for cases involving criminal homicide.

The bill also establishes that any complaints regarding violations of these rights can be submitted to the Senate or House Select Committees on Women and Children for oversight. Furthermore, it mandates that discretionary funds from the STOP Violence Against Women Formula Grant Program be utilized to update and disseminate information regarding the rights of sexual assault survivors, ensuring that the notice is developed in consultation with relevant service providers and approved by the Louisiana Sexual Assault Oversight Commission.

Statutes affected:
HB579 Original: 46:1845(C)(2)
HB579 Engrossed: 46:1844(O)(1), 46:1845(C)(2)
HB579 Enrolled: 46:1844(O)(1), 46:1845(C)(2)