Bill > HF2794

This bill establishes a sexual assault forensic examination center grant program and a dedicated trust fund within the Iowa Department of Justice to support these centers. To be eligible for a grant, a nonprofit organization must be incorporated in Iowa, not affiliated with a hospital or medical facility, employ or contract with sexual assault nurse examiners, and operate or be in the process of establishing facilities primarily for sexual assault survivors, offering a range of services including medical forensic exams. The organization receiving the grant will be responsible for providing these services to all survivors, including underserved populations, and for offering training on sexual assault services and prevention to law enforcement, prosecutors, healthcare professionals, and the public. They will also be required to collaborate with various professionals to address complex sexual assault cases and submit an annual report detailing services, client demographics, training provided, and identified service gaps or barriers. The bill also creates a trust fund, managed by the Department of Justice, which can receive state, federal, and private funds, with all money deposited being appropriated for the grant program and to provide grants to these centers.