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Bill

HB 1731

Services for sexual assault patients; provision of information for sexual assault patients; Task Force on Services for Survivors of Sexual Assault; work group; report.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Karrie Delaney and 3 co-sponsors

Virginia requires hospitals to give sexual assault patients written information on rights and services; establishes task force to study and improve survivor support systems statewide.

Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0480)
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Bill Summary · HB 1731

Legislative bill overview

HB 1731 establishes requirements for Virginia healthcare facilities to provide standardized information and resources to sexual assault patients, and creates a Task Force on Services for Survivors of Sexual Assault to study and recommend improvements to victim services. The bill mandates that hospitals and medical facilities give assault survivors written information about their rights, available services, and reporting options before discharge.

Why is this important

Sexual assault survivors often face confusion about medical, legal, and support options immediately after trauma, when informed decision-making is difficult. This legislation aims to ensure all survivors receive consistent, comprehensive information regardless of which facility treats them, potentially improving access to critical services like counseling, legal aid, and law enforcement support.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs: Healthcare facilities must develop, print, and distribute standardized materials, requiring resource allocation that some providers may find burdensome
  • Task Force composition and scope: Questions about whether the task force will have adequate funding, expertise, and authority to implement recommendations it produces
  • Information accuracy and timeliness: Ensuring written materials remain current across Virginia's diverse healthcare system and accurately reflect available local resources in each region

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

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