Bill
Bill > SB2211
MS SB2211
MS SB2211Sexual assault kits; require right of information to victim and regulate rights of victims to care and exams by hospitals.
summary
Introduced
01/20/2025
01/20/2025
In Committee
02/10/2025
02/10/2025
Crossed Over
02/06/2025
02/06/2025
Passed
04/07/2025
04/07/2025
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
04/23/2025
04/23/2025
Introduced Session
Potential new amendment
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An Act To Amend Section 99-51-3, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Comply With Requirements To Receive Federal Stop Grant Funds; To Provide That A Victim Of Sexual Assault Shall Have The Right To Be Informed In Writing Of Policies Governing The Collection And Preservation Of A Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kit; To Provide That A Victim Of Sexual Assault Shall Have The Right To Be Informed Of The Rights Granted To The Victim Under Section 99-51-3(3); To Extend The Period Of Time For Written Notification To A Victim Of Sexual Assault Of A Law Enforcement Agency's Intent To Destroy Or Dispose Of The Sexual Assault Evidence Kit Or Any Other Crime Scene Evidence From An Unsolved Sexual Assault Case; To Require Licensed Hospitals That Operate An Emergency Department To Have At Least One Physician, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, Physician Assistant Or Registered Nurse Who Is Available At All Times And Who Is Able To Conduct Forensic Examinations Of Victims Of Sexual Assault And Prepare Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kits For Those Victims; To Require Licensed Hospitals To Screen, Treat Or Examine Victims Of Sexual Assault Who Present To A Hospital; To Require Licensed Hospitals To Maintain A Sufficient Supply Of Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kits For Use When Conducting Forensic Examinations Of Victims Of Sexual Assault; To Authorize Licensed Hospitals To Contract With Forensic Nurses To Conduct Forensic Examinations Of Victims Of Sexual Assault And Prepare Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kits For The Hospital; And For Related Purposes.
AI Summary
This bill amends Mississippi law to enhance the rights and protections for sexual assault victims by expanding their access to information about their case and improving hospital protocols for handling sexual assault cases. The bill modifies existing law to require law enforcement agencies to provide sexual assault victims with more detailed written notifications about their evidence kit, including policies for collection and preservation, and extends the notification period for potential destruction of evidence from 20 to 60 days. Additionally, the bill mandates that licensed hospitals with emergency departments must have at least one qualified medical professional available at all times who can conduct forensic examinations and prepare sexual assault evidence collection kits. Hospitals are now required to screen, treat, and examine sexual assault victims, maintain an adequate supply of evidence collection kits, and are authorized to contract with forensic nurses to perform these examinations. The bill also clarifies language around victim notifications, replacing gender-neutral terms with "his or her" and adds specific rights for victims to be informed about DNA testing, profile matching, and the status of their case. These changes aim to provide sexual assault victims with more comprehensive support, information, and medical care, while also helping to ensure proper collection and preservation of potential evidence. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Approved by Governor (on 04/23/2025)
Official Document
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