Summary as Introduced
Amends the Sexual Assault Survivors Emergency Treatment Act. Provides that a sexual assault services voucher may be used to seek payment for, among other things, taxi services and car-sharing programs. Defines "car-sharing program".
Staff Analysis
Senate Amendment 3
Senate Floor Amendment 3 to SB 1274 significantly modifies the original bill by focusing on transportation support for sexual assault survivors through the Sexual Assault Survivors Emergency Treatment Act.
Key Provisions Introduced by the Amendment:
1. New Voucher Use – Transportation Services
• Beginning January 1, 2026, a sexual assault services voucher may be used to cover transportation costs by taxi or rideshare (e.g., Uber, Lyft).
• This applies after services have been provided to a survivor following a sexual assault.
• Eligible destinations for transportation:
• The hospital where the survivor initially presented
• The survivor’s residence
• A survivor services shelter
2. Consent Requirement
• The hospital may arrange rideshare or taxi services on behalf of the survivor only if the survivor provides written consent.
• This provision is intended to ensure respect for the survivor’s autonomy and privacy in transportation planning.
Purpose and Impact:
• Support for Survivors:
• Eases access to safe, immediate transportation following treatment or evidence collection, which can be a barrier, especially for those without personal transportation or support.
• Promotes dignified and secure transitions from hospital care to safe spaces.
• Role of Hospitals:
• Encourages hospitals to become more proactive in arranging and facilitating transportation, but requires written consent to protect survivor rights.
• May prompt some hospitals to develop procedures or partnerships with rideshare providers.
• Implementation Timeline:
• The amendment sets a clear start date of January 1, 2026, allowing time for administrative preparation, provider awareness, and potential budget planning.
Summary:
SB 1274 (as amended by SFA 3) expands the use of sexual assault services vouchers to cover transportation costs for survivors using taxi or rideshare services. Hospitals may coordinate these rides with written survivor consent. This addition enhances the continuum of care for survivors by addressing a key logistical challenge and providing a mechanism for safe post-treatment transportation.