HB 2275 -- Forensic Examinations

Sponsor:  Johnson

This bill changes the laws regarding forensic examinations on
victims of alleged sexual offenses.  In its main provisions, the
bill:

(1)  Specifies that if a medical provider reasonably believes the
sexual offender could be a parent or guardian of the victim and
the victim is younger than 18 years of age, the provider is only
required to provide written notice of the examination to the
nonoffending parent or guardian;

(2)  Requires the Attorney General to develop separate forms and
procedures for gathering evidence during the forensic examination
for victims 14 years of age and younger and for victims 15 years
of age and older;

(3)  Requires the Department of Health and Senior Services to
develop separate checklists for providers to use while providing
care for victims 14 years of age and younger and for victims 15
years of age and older;

(4)  Requires the Department of Public Safety to pay for forensic
examinations.  Currently, the Department of Health and Senior
Services pays for the examinations;

(5)  Creates the Sexual Offense Forensic Examination Compensation
Fund to be used by the Department of Public Safety to pay for the
forensic examination of a person who may be the victim of a
sexual offense; and

(6)  Allows, beginning September 1, 2008, and on the first of
each month thereafter, money from the Crime Victims' Compensation
Fund to be deposited into the Sexual Offense Forensic Examination
Compensation Fund.

Missouri House of Representatives
94th General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated October 15, 2008 at 3:12 pm