Bill > H1546

This bill establishes a bill of rights for survivors of sexual assault in Massachusetts. The key provisions include: 1. Defining the rights of sexual assault survivors, including the right to consult with a sexual assault counselor and have a support person present during medical exams and law enforcement interviews, the right to prompt analysis of sexual assault forensic evidence, and the right to be informed of the results of the analysis. 2. Requiring medical providers and law enforcement to inform survivors of their rights, provide emergency contraception at no cost, and not discourage survivors from receiving medical exams. 3. Establishing a task force to study and make recommendations on implementing an effective mechanism for submitting and investigating complaints, the need for additional sexual assault counselors, and the ongoing evaluation of the implementation of these rights. 4. Amending the state's statute on confidential communications between survivors and sexual assault counselors or victim's advocates to expand the protections and ensure no existing privileges are waived. The bill aims to enhance the rights and support available to survivors of sexual assault in Massachusetts.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H1546