SEXUAL ASSAULT MEDICAL FUND S.B. 153:
SUMMARY OF BILL
REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE
Senate Bill 153 (as reported without amendment)
Sponsor: Senator Rebekah Warren
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Sexual Assault Victims' Medical Forensic Intervention and Treatment Act to require at least 80% of the money in the Sexual Assault Victims' Medical Forensic Intervention and Treatment Fund to be distributed to entities that perform required services (as currently provided) or demonstrate immediate capacity to perform those services, and allow entities to subcontract particular services.
The Act provides for the Domestic Violence Prevention and Treatment Board to spend money from the Fund, as appropriated. At least 80% of the money must be distributed to entities that perform the procedures required by sexual assault evidence kits; provide specialized assistance to victims; operate under the auspices of or in partnership with a local sexual assault crisis center; comply with the standards of training and practice of the International Association of Forensic Nurse Examiners or a similar organization designated by the Board in consultation with the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS); and provide access to medical forensic intervention and treatment services 24 hours a day.
Under the bill, instead, not less than 80% of the money would have to be distributed to entities that did, or demonstrated immediate capacity to do, all of the following:
-- Perform, or subcontract with another entity through an agreement approved by the Board to perform, the procedures required by sexual assault evidence kits in a manner that complied with the standards of the International Association of Forensic Nurses or a similar organization designated by the Board in consultation with the DHHS.
-- Provide specialized assistance to victims.
-- Operate under the auspices of or in documented partnership with a local sexual assault crisis center.
-- Provide, or subcontract with another entity through an agreement approved by the Board to provide, access to medical forensic intervention and treatment services 24 hours a day.
MCL 400.1535 Legislative Analyst: Patrick Affholter
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have an indeterminate negative fiscal impact on the State, and no fiscal impact on local units of government. By extending distributions to entities that demonstrated the capacity to fulfill the requirements of the Act, and to entities that subcontracted with others, the bill could lead to an increase in the Board's distributions from the Fund. Also, the Board could face a minor increase in administrative expenses from having to approve agreements between entities and subcontractors.
Fiscal Analyst: Ellyn Ackerman
This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.