The bill H.703 aims to enhance the rights of sexual assault survivors during medical forensic examinations and criminal investigations. Key provisions include the right for survivors to have a support person of their choosing present during examinations and interviews, the ability to take a shower immediately after the examination, and the option to request a law enforcement officer of the same gender for interviews. Additionally, the bill clarifies that survivors may retain private counsel throughout the criminal process and prohibits the use of evidence collected during a medical forensic examination to prosecute the survivor for misdemeanors or drug-related offenses.

The bill amends existing law by introducing several new rights for survivors, including the right to be informed about the policies governing the collection and preservation of evidence, and the right to receive written notification before the destruction of evidence kits. It also specifies that survivors should be advised of potential delays if their chosen support person is not immediately available. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, ensuring that these rights are formally recognized and implemented within the state's legal framework.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 13-3281