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House backs bill to create safe centers and grant fund for sexual‑assault survivors
Summary
The House passed House File 2794 to establish a sexual‑assault forensic examination center grant program and a trust fund, approving an amendment to create a treasury fund for appropriations and donations. Lawmakers and survivors described the centers as one‑stop facilities for medical, legal and emotional services.
The Iowa House approved House File 2794, which creates a grant program in the attorney general’s office to fund sexual‑assault forensic examination centers and establishes a trust fund to receive appropriations and donations.
Representative Loecey of Polk offered an amendment (H8457) that, according to opening remarks, performed language cleanup requested by the attorney general and created a treasury fund to accept appropriations and donations for the program. That amendment passed on the floor.
Supporters emphasized victim‑centered care. Representative Srinivas highlighted survivor testimony and real‑world examples, saying the proposed “safe center” would be a one‑stop location offering emotional, physical and legal services to assault survivors. “One of those survivors is here with me today … she is so strong to share that story,” Srinivas said.
Colleagues from across the aisle thanked advocates who described the need during subcommittee hearings. Representative Jones called the legislation “a really heavy topic” and urged funding to ensure the centers can provide comprehensive services. Representative Pope, in closing, said “the word safe isn’t just an accident” and moved the bill across the finish line.
The amendment and the bill both passed on recorded votes; the clerk reported an affirmative tally sufficient for a constitutional majority. The language requires the attorney general’s office to administer grant awards and sets up a fund to receive any appropriations and private donations that may support center operations.
Next steps are transmittal of the enacted bill language for enrollment and then to the governor for signature, after which the attorney general’s office and local providers will coordinate grant solicitations and award decisions.
