Senate passes bill expanding victim services after sexual assault, including emergency contraception and counseling

The Utah Senate approved Second Substitute House Bill 297 on the floor, a measure sponsors described as strengthening services for victims of sexual assault by adding medical and counseling resources and procedural supports.

Senator McKell, the sponsor, summarized the bill’s four central components: access to emergency contraception up to 48 hours after an assault, expanded mental-health and counseling services, medical coverage for uninsured victims of pregnancy-related needs, and postpartum help for up to 12 months. He told the chamber the bill also strengthens law-enforcement training and improves data collection to support victims.

During floor discussion, Senator Plumb said she supports emergency contraception and services but warned the bill’s requirement that victims report to law enforcement could cause “a significant revictimization” for survivors who do not want to engage police. “Having to report to our law enforcement officers is in and of itself another traumatizing experience,” Plumb said, urging sensitivity for children and other vulnerable victims.

The sponsor and supporters said reporting safeguards remain for mandatory reporters and that provisions do not remove required reporting of serious child abuse by mandated reporters; the sponsor emphasized the bill seeks to balance protecting life with supporting victims’ access to healthcare and counseling.

On roll call the Senate recorded 17 yeas, 6 nays and 6 absent; the bill will be signed by the president pro tem and returned to the House for the Speaker’s signature.

What’s next: implementation details (including how crisis-center reporting versus police reporting will be handled operationally) and possible guidance for law-enforcement training and data collection will follow through agencies responsible for victim services and criminal justice systems.