Bill > HB0792

This bill, known as the Tennessee Sexual Violence Justice Act, introduces comprehensive reforms to improve the handling of sexual assault cases in Tennessee. The legislation mandates that all law enforcement personnel involved in sexual assault investigations must complete 16 hours of annual sensitivity training focused on trauma-informed and victim-centered approaches, developed by the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) commission in collaboration with sexual violence experts. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) is required to test all sexual assault evidence collection kits within 90 days of receipt, with a specific requirement to test previously untested kits by January 1, 2026, and to generate DNA profiles for entry into criminal databases. The bill also extends the statute of limitations for certain sexual offense claims and modifies compensation claim requirements to be more supportive of victims, including allowing alternative forms of reporting and providing waivers for filing deadlines. Additionally, Sexual Assault Response Teams (SARTs) will now have oversight authority to audit sexual assault crime investigations, and the bill creates a voluntary tax refund allocation option for citizens to support law enforcement training and forensic testing. The training curriculum will emphasize recognizing trauma symptoms, understanding cultural perceptions about sexual assault, and developing compassionate interviewing techniques. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, with the goal of improving the treatment of sexual assault victims and the investigation of these crimes.

Justice

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB0792&ga=114