Bill > LD1651

This bill removes the term "alleged" from various Maine state statutes when referring to victims of sexual assault, particularly in provisions related to forensic examinations. The legislation affects multiple sections of Maine law, updating language to remove what is perceived as potentially stigmatizing terminology when discussing sexual assault victims. The bill ensures that victims will be referred to directly as "victims" rather than "alleged victims" in contexts including forensic examinations, payment for medical services, evidence collection, and legal documentation. The changes apply to statutes governing payment for forensic examinations, hospital and healthcare practitioner procedures, evidence collection protocols, and transportation and storage of forensic examination kits. Key provisions include maintaining victim confidentiality, allowing victims to decide whether to report an offense, ensuring victims are not billed for forensic examinations, and allowing forensic examination kits to be stored for extended periods (20 years for sexual assault, 6 years for strangulation). The bill does not change the substantive rights or procedures related to sexual assault examinations, but aims to use more respectful and supportive language when referring to victims of sexual assault.

Justice

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1651&snum=132