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HB 134

AN ACT relating to sexual assault nurse examiners.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Chad Aull and 7 co-sponsors

HB 134 establishes state certification and training standards for Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners to improve forensic examination quality and victim care consistency across Kentucky.

signed by Governor (Acts Ch. 66)
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Bill Summary · HB 134

Legislative bill overview

HB 134 establishes standards and requirements for Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) in Kentucky, likely including certification, training, and operational protocols for healthcare providers who conduct forensic examinations of sexual assault survivors. The bill has passed the House unanimously and is currently advancing through Senate committees with a favorable recommendation.

Why is this important

SANEs play a critical role in evidence collection, victim support, and prosecution of sexual assault cases. Standardizing their training and certification ensures consistent quality of forensic examinations across the state, which directly impacts both victim care outcomes and the strength of criminal cases. This legislation addresses a public health and criminal justice concern affecting vulnerable populations.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding requirements - Implementation costs for training programs, certification processes, and potential staffing adjustments at healthcare facilities may require new budget allocations or impose costs on hospitals
  • Scope of practice definition - Clarity around what specific duties SANEs can perform versus other medical professionals could create implementation or liability questions
  • Existing program disruption - Facilities already running SANE programs may need to modify current practices to comply with new state standards, creating transition challenges

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

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