Senate passes bill to help rape victims
TALLAHASSEE (AP) – The Florida Senate has unanimously voted to require that police notify rape victims of their legal rights and remedies and offer other aid.
That would include help in obtaining medical treatment, a forensic exam and crisis-intervention services from certified rape crisis centers.
The bill (SB 1312) passed the Senate on Tuesday. It now goes to the House. A similar measure (HB 979) has cleared two House committees but needs action by two more to get a floor vote.
The legislation is based on an existing law that requires police to offer similar notices and aid to victims of domestic violence.