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HF 2794

A bill for an act establishing a sexual assault forensic examination center grant program and trust fund.

2025-2026 Regular Session

Creates a state-funded nonprofit center in Iowa to operate comprehensive sexual assault medical-forensic services, trainings, and survivor-centered care.

NOBA: Final
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Bill Summary · HF 2794

Summary of HF 2794 (2025-2026) – Iowa

Purpose

HF 2794 proposes to establish a grant program to fund a nonprofit organization that would operate and maintain sexual assault forensic examination centers in Iowa. The bill envisions the Iowa Attorney General (AG) contracting with an eligible nonprofit to provide forensic services and related support for sexual assault survivors, contingent on available funding. The contract could be terminated by the AG after a hearing, written notice, and for good cause.

Key Provisions

  • Eligibility and qualifications for the nonprofit contractor

    • Must be a nonprofit incorporated in Iowa.
    • Must not be owned, controlled, or affiliated with any hospital, health system, or inpatient medical facility.
    • Must employ or otherwise retain sexual assault nurse examiners (SANEs) or have a plan to do so.
    • Must be in the process of establishing or maintaining one or more facilities in Iowa dedicated to a broad range of services for sexual assault survivors, including medical forensic services.
    • Must provide services for sexual assault survivors and offer related trainings.

  • Contracts and services

    • The selected nonprofit would be contracted to operate and maintain sexual assault forensic examination centers.
    • The nonprofit must provide comprehensive services to survivors, including medical forensic services.
    • The nonprofit must offer or facilitate trainings for:
    • Law enforcement officers
    • Prosecuting attorneys
    • Health care professionals
    • Members of the public
    • The contract must promote a cooperative team approach and prioritize the best interests of the survivor.
    • The nonprofit should involve or consult with professionals from various disciplines with expertise in addressing special types of sexual assault.
    • The nonprofit must submit an annual report to the AG and the General Assembly detailing the services offered.

  • Service scope and target populations

    • Services must be provided to sexual assault survivors, including:
    • Adults
    • Persons with disabilities
    • Rural Iowans
    • Other underserved populations

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Funding contingency: Implementation is contingent on funding being available. Without funding, the contract process would not proceed.
  • Contract termination: The AG may terminate the contract after a hearing, written notice, and for good cause.
  • Reporting: An annual report is required to be submitted to the AG and the General Assembly on the center’s services.
  • Status in 2026: As of the latest action, the bill was introduced and placed on the Appropriations calendar (April 29, 2026), indicating movement toward funding decisions and potential appropriations.

Potential Impact

  • Access to forensic services: A state-funded nonprofit center could improve access to rape kits and medical forensic examinations across Iowa, especially for underserved and rural populations.
  • Professional training: Mandatory trainings for law enforcement, prosecutors, health care professionals, and the public could enhance the quality and consistency of sexual assault responses.
  • Coordination of care: Emphasis on a cooperative, multidisciplinary approach aims to improve survivor-centered practices and ensure comprehensive care.
  • Oversight and accountability: Annual reporting to the AG and General Assembly would provide ongoing oversight of services and outcomes.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Sexual assault survivors: Increased access to standardized medical forensic services and survivor-centered care.
  • Nonprofit organizations: Eligible nonprofits could receive state contracts to operate centers, subject to funding and compliance with the eligibility criteria.
  • Law enforcement, prosecutors, and health care professionals: Would participate in trainings and adopt coordinated response practices.
  • General Assembly and AG: Responsible for oversight, reporting, and contract administration.

If you’d like, I can compare HF 2794 to existing Iowa programs or summarize fiscal implications once funding details are available.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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