Bill > SB491

This bill establishes a new Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Examination Fund to address the costs and processes associated with sexual assault evidence collection. The fund will be financed through a transfer of $800,000 from the Marijuana State Special Revenue Account and will be used by the Department of Justice to: purchase and distribute sexual assault evidence kits to medical facilities at no cost, reimburse medical providers for sexual assault medical forensic examinations, and create a secure electronic system for submitting reimbursement requests and treatment records. The bill removes the previous requirement for local law enforcement agencies to pay for these examinations, instead shifting the financial responsibility to the state. It also requires the Department of Justice to manage the fund, identify funding priorities, monitor expenditures, and evaluate the effectiveness of services. The legislation aims to reduce financial barriers for sexual assault victims seeking forensic medical examinations and streamline the process for evidence collection and reimbursement. The fund will become effective on July 1, 2025, and the bill includes provisions to notify tribal governments about the new law.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC1984