A Resolution recognizing the month of April 2026 as "Sexual Assault Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lisa Baker and 19 co-sponsors

Designates April 2026 in Pennsylvania as Sexual Assault Awareness Month to promote education, prevention, resources, and survivor support without creating new funding or statutes.

Referred to Rules & Executive Nominations

Purpose and Intent

SR 272 is a concurrent or joint resolution recognizing a specific observance: April 2026 as "Sexual Assault Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.

The resolution’s primary aim is ceremonial and educational, highlighting the importance of awareness, prevention, resources, and support for survivors of sexual assault.

It serves to officially acknowledge the month at the state level and encourage related advocacy and public education efforts.

Key Provisions and Provisions of Change

Formal Recognition: The resolution designates April 2026 in Pennsylvania as Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

Message of Public Awareness: It typically calls on state agencies, organizations, and the public to observe the month with appropriate programs, outreach, and information dissemination about sexual assault prevention and survivor resources.

The language generally encourages education on consent, respectful relationships, and reporting mechanisms, and highlights the impact of sexual violence on individuals and communities.

It may reference collaboration with state departments, advocacy groups, and service providers to promote awareness campaigns and access to services such as hotlines, counseling, medical care, and legal assistance.

Who/What Is Affected

Legislative Impact: The resolution itself does not create new state statutory obligations or funding, but it can influence state government messaging, public communications, and programming during April 2026.

Stakeholders: Survivors of sexual assault, victim advocacy organizations, healthcare providers, law enforcement, educators, and the general public in Pennsylvania.

Public Institutions: State agencies and public schools may be encouraged to participate in awareness activities and share information about resources.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Action History: Referred to Rules & Executive Nominations on April 17, 2026.

Legislative Path: As a resolution, SR 272 would typically move through the standard Senate rules process and may also be transmitted to the House for concurrent approval; it does not imply budgeting or statutory changes.

Observance Timing: The resolution centers on recognizing April 2026 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, aligning with national and local awareness campaigns occurring annually in April.

Additional Context

Sponsorship: The resolution has broad bipartisan sponsorship, with numerous co-sponsors listed, indicating cross-chamber and cross-issue support for recognizing Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

Nature of Resolution: Emphasizes awareness and prevention rather than enforcement or funding mandates. It is primarily symbolic and educational, intended to mobilize stakeholders and inform the public.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to emphasize potential funding implications, outline typical accompanying campaigns (e.g., public service announcements, school curricula integration), or compare with Sexual Assault Awareness Month activities in prior Pennsylvania resolutions.

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