Bill > HR5578

This bill, the Survivors' Bill of Rights Act of 2016, establishes specific rights for sexual assault survivors, building upon existing protections. Key provisions include the right for survivors to receive a medical forensic examination without being prevented or charged, and the right to have their sexual assault evidence collection kit, which contains crucial evidence from an examination, preserved for a significant period (either the maximum statute of limitations or 20 years, whichever is shorter) without charge. Survivors also have the right to be informed of the results of their evidence collection kit, provided it doesn't hinder an ongoing investigation, and to be informed in writing about the policies governing the collection and preservation of these kits. Furthermore, survivors have the right to request written notification at least 60 days before their kit is destroyed and to request further preservation of the kit. The bill defines sexual assault broadly as any nonconsensual sexual act prohibited by federal, tribal, or state law, including when the victim cannot consent. It also amends the Victims of Crime Act of 1984 to allow funds to be used for direct services related to these new rights and establishes a grant program to help states develop and distribute written information about these rights and related policies to various entities that interact with survivors, such as hospitals and law enforcement agencies. Finally, the bill mandates the creation of a working group composed of various stakeholders, including law enforcement, medical professionals, and victim advocates, to develop and disseminate best practices for the care and treatment of sexual assault survivors and the preservation of forensic evidence.