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House approves changes to victims’ rights and sexual assault evidence rules, allowing courts to sever perpetrator parental rights in certain cases
Summary
Second substitute HB 328 passed the House (73–0). The bill tightens timelines and reporting for sexual assault investigations and provides an option for courts to terminate parental rights of a perpetrator when a child is conceived by assault; a friendly amendment clarified protections for children.
The House passed second substitute HB 328, a package of amendments concerning victims of sex offenses and related investigative procedures.
Representative Romero, sponsor, said the bill aligns state practice with federal requirements for sexual assault evidence handling and clarifies timelines for evidence kits and victim contact. He said the bill also “gives the option of taking those parental rights away from the perpetrator” when a pregnancy results from an assault.
Representative Griese moved a friendly amendment to ensure statutory language that a child remains included in protections covering neglect and abuse; Romero described the change as friendly and it was adopted. Representative Thurston questioned how the termination option would apply in cases where the assailant is a spouse or someone within the victim’s circle of trust; Romero replied the legislation preserves the victim’s choice and gives courts an option where appropriate.
Representative Brammer asked whether termination of parental rights would also eliminate child support obligations; Romero replied, “No.” The bill passed the House 73–0 and will be sent to the Senate.
