Bill > SB5295

This bill updates Washington state's sexual assault survivor bill of rights to enhance eligibility for federal grant funding by expanding and clarifying the rights of sexual assault survivors throughout the criminal justice process. The bill modifies existing law to provide survivors with additional protections and information, including the right to be informed in writing about policies governing sexual assault kit collection and preservation, the right to request further preservation of their sexual assault kit, and the right to receive written notification at least 60 days before the intended destruction of their sexual assault kit. The bill maintains key existing rights such as receiving a free medical forensic examination, consulting with a sexual assault survivor's advocate during investigations and legal proceedings, and receiving timely updates about their case. The rights apply regardless of whether the survivor chooses to participate in the criminal justice system, and survivors can seek a court order if these rights are denied. The bill also clarifies definitions of key terms like "sexual assault survivor" and "sexual assault survivor's advocate" and emphasizes that these provisions do not create new grounds for error in criminal proceedings or additional civil liability.

Justice

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5295&Year=2025&Initiative=false