Assembly Bill 821 aims to enhance the support and resources available for victims of domestic abuse and strangulation by expanding the scope of forensic examinations covered under current law. The bill mandates that the Department of Justice (DOJ) reimburse health care providers for examinations conducted on victims of domestic abuse or strangulation, in addition to those for sex offenses. It also increases the maximum reimbursement amount for these examinations from $1,200 to $3,000. Furthermore, the bill establishes a grant program to support health care facilities in creating positions for providers who conduct these examinations and in developing recruitment, retention, or training programs for such providers.

In addition to these provisions, the bill modifies existing legal definitions and administrative rules to ensure clarity and effectiveness in the implementation of these changes. Notably, it amends the title of Chapter 949 from "Sexual Assault" to "Forensic Examination Compensation" to reflect the broader focus on various offenses. The bill also introduces new definitions for terms related to domestic abuse and strangulation, ensuring that victims of these offenses receive the same level of support as those of sexual offenses. Overall, Assembly Bill 821 seeks to improve the response to and resources for victims of domestic violence and related crimes in Wisconsin.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 949.20(1), 949.20, 949.20(3), 949.20(9), 949.24(1), 949.24, 949.24(3), 949.26(1), 949.26, 949.26(3)