HCS HB 414 -- DRUG TESTING FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT VICTIMS

SPONSOR:  Stevenson (Low)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass by consent" by the Committee on
Judiciary by a vote of 12 to 0.

This substitute establishes Christy's Law which requires all
health care personnel involved in the forensic examination or
medical treatment of a victim of a sexual offense to inform the
victim of his or her right to be tested for the presence of
specific drugs used to facilitate a rape or sexual assault
including, but not limited to, GHB, rohypnol, ketamine, and
ecstasy.  Any drug test results will be treated the same as other
evidence collected and are to be included with all other evidence
and test results gathered during the forensic examination.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds in FY 2010, FY 2011, and
FY 2012.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the bill is needed because of
the increase in sexual assault cases involving drugs.  The bill
will help to protect all Missourians and will address a gap in
the current gathering of evidence.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Low; Missouri
Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence; and Department of
Public Safety.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Missouri House of Representatives
95th General Assembly, 1st Regular Session
Last Updated November 17, 2009 at 9:24 am