To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to update directives of the Department of Veterans Affairs regarding the management of acute sexual assault, and for other purposes.
Veterans Affairs: Improving Sexual Assault Care
This bill is currently being reviewed by the House Committee on Veterans Affairs. It is actively moving through the process after a recent committee hearing. There are no further actions scheduled at this time.
Legislative Progress
Most bills introduced by a single member without broad support struggle to pass. This bill is in the very early stages of the legislative process.
Key Points
- The VA would have 18 months to update its rules for helping veterans who report a sexual assault within 72 hours. This includes making sure every VA medical center has a plan to provide expert forensic exams, either on-site or through a local partner hospital.
- VA hospitals that perform these exams would be required to keep fresh, unexpired rape kits in stock. Staff would also have to offer veterans medicine to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases if it is medically necessary for their care.
- The bill requires the VA to offer mental health counseling to every veteran who reports an assault. If the VA cannot provide the care themselves, they must help the veteran find a local doctor and coordinate the transition to make sure the veteran gets the help they need.
- VA police and medical staff would receive new annual training on how to handle these cases with care. This training must include specific information about local laws and cannot just be reading a handbook. Every five years, this training must be done in person.
- VA police would get clear instructions on when and how to report assaults to local law enforcement. These rules are meant to balance the need for a police report with the veteran's right to keep their personal information private during a difficult time.
Impact Analysis
Govbase has not yet run an impact analysis on this legislation.
Milestones
Committee Hearings Held
Subcommittee on Health Discharged
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
News
No related news coverage found for this legislation yet.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to update directives of the Department of Veterans Affairs regarding the management of acute sexual assault, and for other purposes.
Data Sources
Sponsor
Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.