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HCR 20

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION directing the Legislative Research Commission to study access to sexual assault nurse examiners.

2025 Regular Session

Kentucky directs legislative study of sexual assault nurse examiner access statewide to identify and address gaps in victim care and evidence collection services.

signed by Governor (Acts Ch. 7)
#crimevictims #healthandmedicalservices #hospitalsandnursinghomes #legislativeresearchcommission #nurses #publicprotection #reportsmandated #studiesdirected #women
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Bill Summary · HCR 20

Legislative bill overview

HCR 20 is a concurrent resolution that directs Kentucky's Legislative Research Commission to conduct a comprehensive study on access to sexual assault nurse examiners (SANEs) throughout the state. The resolution was unanimously passed by the Senate and subsequently signed into law by the Governor in March 2025, making it an official legislative directive to examine current SANE availability and accessibility.

Why is this important

Sexual assault nurse examiners provide critical forensic medical care and evidence collection for assault survivors, directly affecting both victim support and criminal prosecution capabilities. Limited SANE access means survivors in rural or underserved areas may face barriers to timely medical care, evidence preservation, and trauma-informed treatment, while also potentially compromising investigation outcomes. This study could inform policy decisions about funding, training, and resource allocation to close geographic and service gaps.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and implementation: The study itself requires resources, and any resulting recommendations could demand significant funding increases for rural healthcare infrastructure or SANE program expansion that may face budget constraints
  • Scope limitations: A study provides information but doesn't mandate solutions; stakeholders may disagree on whether recommendations should become binding requirements or voluntary guidelines
  • Rural vs. urban equity: Determining how to equitably distribute SANEs across sparsely populated areas versus densely populated regions involves complex tradeoffs in cost-effectiveness and accessibility standards

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

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