The bill aims to enhance support for crime victims and witnesses, particularly focusing on survivors of sexual violence, including female genital mutilation. It establishes new provisions to expand the rights of survivors, allowing minors aged 13 and older to consent to forensic examinations for domestic violence cases involving nonfatal strangulation. Additionally, it introduces a mechanism for courts to appoint representatives for pro se defendants to conduct direct questioning of victims during trials, ensuring that defendants can still participate in the examination process. The bill also extends the duties of the SAFE advisory group to include researching trauma-informed policies and addressing the needs of underserved populations affected by sexual violence.

Key amendments to existing laws include redefining "sexual assault" to "sexual violence" and incorporating the definition of "female genital mutilation." The bill enhances the rights of sexual violence survivors, ensuring they receive necessary medical examinations, access to advocates, and timely notifications regarding their cases. It also mandates the advisory group to monitor and recommend improvements in the handling of sexual assault cases, with a focus on addressing disparities faced by marginalized communities. The advisory group is required to report its findings annually to the legislature and the governor, with the section set to expire in 2028.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 70.125.030, 70.125.110, 43.10.801