FCASV top priority bill passes

FCASV Top Priority Bill Passes
Victims of Sexual Battery Legal Rights and Services
SB 1312 by Sen. Mike Fasano (R-Port Richey)
HB 979 by Rep. Yolly Roberson (D-Miami)

Governor Crist signed SB 1312, FCASV's top priority bill for the 2009 session, into law during a signing ceremony on June 16. This legislation requires each law enforcement officer who investigates an alleged sexual battery incident to assist the victim in obtaining medical treatment if medical treatment is necessary, a forensic examination, and crisis intervention services from a certified rape crisis center. The legislation also requires law enforcement officers to immediately notify victims of the legal rights and remedies available by providing them with a brochure written and produced by the Florida Council Against Sexual Violence in conjunction with FDLE that includes information about local rape crisis services. This legislation takes effect on July 1, 2009.

In addition to our wonderful sponsors, special thanks are due to Ron Book, House Rules Chair Rep. Bill Galvano (R-Bradenton), and our co-sponsors (Senator Joyner and Representatives Brandenburg, Eisnaugle, Gibson, Homan, Jenne, Kiar, Porth, Snyder, Soto, and Williams) for their work to ensure passage of the bill on the last day of regular session.

The brochure associated with SB 1312 is now available through the FCASV and FDLE websites and is being emailed to rape crisis centers and law enforcement agencies across the state. Multiple copies of the brochure with community-specific information are being mailed to each rape crisis center. Rape crisis centers will be delivering these copies with information about their services to each law enforcement agency in their catchment area.