Jacque legislation ensures crime victims receive timely care during investigations
MADISON, WI…Wisconsin is now one step closer to joining 20 other states in passing a “Sexual Assault Survivor Bill of Rights.”
Senate Bill 224, authored by Senator André Jacque (New Franken) and Representative Dave Murphy (Hortonville), passed the Senate Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety today on a vote of 8-0. This legislation was drafted at the request of the national sexual assault victim rights group RISE.
“SB 224 will strengthen existing constitutional and statutory rights with statutory enforcement mechanisms, requiring the state to process the kits of sexual assault victims in a timely manner, and keep them informed about the status of their kit throughout an investigation.”
If reasonable timelines are not met, sexual assault survivors can petition the Wisconsin Crime Victim Rights Board (CVRB), which has legislative authority to issue sanctions for violations of the statutory or constitutional rights of victims by public officials.
The companion bill AB 236 passed the Assembly Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety last month unanimously 14-0. The “Sexual Assault Survivor Bill of Rights” must pass both legislative chambers before moving to the governor for final consideration.
Senator André Jacque represents Northeast Wisconsin’s First Senate District, consisting of Door and Kewaunee and portions of Brown, Calumet, Manitowoc, and Outagamie counties.
