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Substitute creates statewide SANE coordinator and standards for sexual-assault response

Criminal Justice Committee · April 23, 2026
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Summary

A substitute bill would place a statewide Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) coordinator in the attorney general's office, establish standards for forensic exams and create tele-SANE and mobile-SANE programs; stakeholders and law enforcement supported the measure and the committee reported the substitute favorably.

Representative Spell introduced a substitute for HB 884 to create a statewide SANE coordinator position within the attorney general's office and to establish a SANE response subcommittee under the Sexual Assault Oversight Commission. The substitute would set standards for forensic medical examinations, require coordination between hospitals and law enforcement, and create tele-SANE training and mobile-SANE programs intended to expand access to trained examiners in underserved areas.

Supporters included the governor's office legislative liaison for the attorney general, victim-service organizations, law enforcement and medical providers. Mary Kate Andrepont and other victim-service leaders said better statewide coordination would improve evidence collection and survivors' access to trauma-informed forensic exams. The substitute clarifies reporting duties and creates a framework for telemedicine-supported examinations to reach rural hospitals without on-site SANEs.

Committee members endorsed the substitute and the bill was reported favorably by voice vote. Representative Spell said stakeholders would continue to refine technical details before floor consideration.