JEFFERSON CITY —State Sen. Andrew Koenig, R-Manchester, is proud that his SAFE kits legislation has been passed by the Missouri House of Representatives and sent to the governor’s desk. Senate Bill 569 strengthens investigations and prosecution of rapists and sexual abusers by reforming the handling, tracking and processing of sexual assault forensic evidence (SAFE) kits in Missouri.
“Survivors of sexual assault will no longer have to suffer in silence,” said Sen. Koenig. “Survivors deserve justice and this bi-partisan legislation gives them the resources and support they need.”
In addition to the SAFE kit tracking reforms, Senate Bill 812 was added to SB 569. This language establishes the Sexual Assault Survivors’ Bill of Rights, which provides rights and protections for survivors of sexual assault during any medical examination or interaction with law enforcement, the prosecuting attorney and the defense attorney. Senate Bill 951 was also added to SB 569. This language establishes the Justice for Survivors Act, which directs the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services to establish a statewide telehealth network to provide forensic exams for victims of sexual assault.
“Survivors deserve to know the status of their kit and be involved in this process,” said Sen. Koenig. “Thousands of untested kits have been sitting in hospitals and police departments for years. This is unacceptable and my legislation puts a stop to it.”
Senate Bill 569 now heads to the governor’s desk for his consideration.