Bill > SB99

This bill appropriates $180,000 from the general fund to the South Dakota Department of Health specifically for purchasing, storing, and distributing sexual assault kits to health care facilities. A sexual assault kit (sometimes called a "rape kit") is a standardized package of items used by medical professionals to collect and preserve physical evidence following a sexual assault, which can be crucial for potential criminal investigations. The bill specifies that the Department of Health secretary will approve vouchers for these expenditures, and the state auditor will draw warrants to pay for these authorized expenses. The appropriated funds must be legally expended or obligated by June 30, 2028, or they will revert according to standard state financial procedures. The bill will become effective on June 30, 2025, and is designed to ensure that health care facilities have access to these critical forensic tools for supporting sexual assault survivors and potential legal proceedings.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://sdlegislature.gov/#/Session/Bill/25973