Bill > HB2836

This bill enhances legal protections and rights for sexual assault survivors by establishing comprehensive rights and procedures during medical examinations, law enforcement interactions, and legal proceedings. The bill expands existing law to ensure survivors have the right to consult with a sexual assault victim advocate during medical exams and interviews, receive free forensic medical examinations, and be informed of their rights before any examination or interview. Survivors cannot be charged for medical evidentiary examinations and have the right to choose their examination location. The bill mandates that law enforcement and medical providers provide detailed written information about support services, protection orders, compensation resources, and legal rights. Survivors also gain important procedural rights, such as having counsel present during interactions with legal systems, requesting a courtroom clearance during testimony, avoiding mandatory polygraph tests, and receiving timely notifications about case developments. Additionally, the bill clarifies that sexual assault kit evidence cannot be used to prosecute the survivor for minor offenses and establishes confidentiality provisions for communications between survivors and victim advocates. The legislation aims to provide comprehensive support, protect survivors' dignity, and facilitate their engagement with medical and legal processes following a sexual assault.

Justice

https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/83307