Urge Court to encourage remote testimony of sexual assault nurses

136th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Michele Reynolds

Urges Ohio courts to consider remote testimony by SANEs to protect victim care and preserve evidence, though not binding or require changes.

Referred to committee

Summary of SR 359 (136th General Assembly)

Purpose and intent

A Senate resolution urging the Supreme Court of Ohio and the Ohio judicial system to encourage remote appearances of sexual assault nurse examiners (SANEs) in sexual assault trials.

The underlying goal is to allow SANEs to spend less time in courtrooms and more time providing immediate care and forensic services to sexual assault victims.

Key provisions and changes

This is a non-binding resolution, not a law. It does not mandate changes to statutes or court rules by itself but urges the judiciary to consider remote testimony as a way to protect victim care and evidence integrity.

The resolution cites prior research and state interest to justify remote testimony as a public policy goal:

Highlights the trauma of sexual assault and its long-term health and economic impacts.
Emphasizes the role of SANEs in healing, forensic collection, and law enforcement investigations.
Notes that delays in SANE services can lead to lost evidence and degraded samples.
References the 2021 Supreme Court of Ohio Task Force on Improving Court Operations Using Remote Technology, which found benefits of remote appearances (reduced travel costs, less time off work, incentives for participation).

Who would be affected

Sexual assault victims who rely on SANEs for immediate care, forensic exams, and evidence collection.

SANEs and other forensic and medical professionals involved in sexual assault cases.

The Ohio judiciary and court operations, insofar as they consider remote testimony practices.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Status: Offered on May 19, 2026 (SR 359 introduced in the 136th General Assembly; co-sponsored by Michele Reynolds).

Nature: Advisory resolution directing the Supreme Court and the judiciary to recognize the stated public policy and consider remote testimony in cases where in-person appearance would impede timely care.

Since it is a resolution, it does not create enforceable requirements or allocate funding. It serves as a formal expression of legislative preference to promote remote testimony as a means to preserve victim care and evidence integrity.

Potential impact and implications

If the Supreme Court or courts heed the resolution, there could be broader acceptance and use of remote testimony by SANEs in sexual assault trials.

Potential benefits cited include:

Reduced need for SANEs to appear in court for every proceeding, allowing more time for victim care.
Lower travel burdens and time off work for victims, investigators, and medical personnel.
Faster access to forensic services, potentially reducing evidence degradation and delays in prosecutions.

Potential concerns that could arise (not addressed in the resolution but relevant in implementation):

Ensuring the reliability, privacy, and integrity of remote testimony.
Maintaining proper procedural safeguards and cross-examination opportunities.
Addressing any jurisdictional or technological barriers across different courts.

Overall assessment

SR 359 seeks to elevate remote testimony of SANEs as a favorable public policy in Ohio, aligning victim-centered care with judicial efficiency. As a non-binding resolution, its effect depends on how the judiciary responds and whether subsequent rulemaking or statutory changes follow.