Committee clears bill allowing minors to receive forensic kits without parental consent

The Senate Judiciary Committee adopted an amendment and voted HB 679 (also carried as SB 920) to the calendar after sponsor testimony that the bill simply clarifies that a minor may obtain a medical forensic evidence kit without parental consent in situations where the parent could be the perpetrator.

Sponsor Sen. Roberts explained the proposal and said the amendment added registered midwives to the list of professionals whose documentation could excuse a nursing mother from jury duty (this was a separate item earlier in the calendar) and clarified procedures for minors and professionals collecting kits. Roberts said the change seeks to remove confusion among teachers, pastors and other mandated reporters about whether they can initiate collection of forensic evidence when a minor discloses assault.

Committee members had no substantive questions during the brief presentation. The committee adopted the amendment by voice vote and recorded a roll-call that produced unanimous or near‑unanimous support (chair reported 9 ayes) to send the measure to the calendar for further floor consideration.

What happens next: HB 679 / SB 920 will appear on the Senate calendar for a floor vote; sponsors said the bill was previously reported out of committee and had passed the House overwhelmingly the prior year.