House approves statewide SANE coordinator, standardizes sexual-assault kit definitions
May 11, 2026 | 2026 Legislature LA, Louisiana
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The Louisiana House voted unanimously May 7 to create a statewide SANE (sexual-assault nurse examiner) coordinator and to standardize definitions and handling for sexual-assault evidence collection kits.
Rep. Spell, the bill author, said the measure creates “a clear path to continue and increase our strength to combat” sexual assault by aligning definitions for reported, unreported and untested collection kits, clarifying responsibilities for tracking and storage, and establishing training and credentialing pathways for SANE nurses. “These professionals are beyond exceptional,” Spell said on the floor while recognizing two SANE nurses present during debate.
Sponsors and committee testimony described the bill as a technical, stakeholder-driven step to make kit handling, reporting and forensic processes consistent across regions. Louisiana State Police technical edits and other drafting changes were reflected in amendments adopted on the floor.
The measure passed 98–0. The bill assigns the statewide coordinator position to the Attorney General’s office and directs coordination with the Louisiana Department of Health; it also instructs the Oversight Commission to adopt standards, training and preceptorships to expand the SANE workforce.
Why it matters: The number of SANE nurses in Louisiana is limited; proponents said the bill will reduce regional gaps in access to care and evidence-handling consistency for survivors while improving forensic kit tracking and testing policies. Members urged timely implementation and interagency cooperation.
Next steps: The Attorney General’s office and the Department of Health will establish implementation plans, including training and a statewide protocol. The bill’s enrollment and agency rule-making processes will follow the Legislature’s adoption.
Rep. Spell, the bill author, said the measure creates “a clear path to continue and increase our strength to combat” sexual assault by aligning definitions for reported, unreported and untested collection kits, clarifying responsibilities for tracking and storage, and establishing training and credentialing pathways for SANE nurses. “These professionals are beyond exceptional,” Spell said on the floor while recognizing two SANE nurses present during debate.
Sponsors and committee testimony described the bill as a technical, stakeholder-driven step to make kit handling, reporting and forensic processes consistent across regions. Louisiana State Police technical edits and other drafting changes were reflected in amendments adopted on the floor.
The measure passed 98–0. The bill assigns the statewide coordinator position to the Attorney General’s office and directs coordination with the Louisiana Department of Health; it also instructs the Oversight Commission to adopt standards, training and preceptorships to expand the SANE workforce.
Why it matters: The number of SANE nurses in Louisiana is limited; proponents said the bill will reduce regional gaps in access to care and evidence-handling consistency for survivors while improving forensic kit tracking and testing policies. Members urged timely implementation and interagency cooperation.
Next steps: The Attorney General’s office and the Department of Health will establish implementation plans, including training and a statewide protocol. The bill’s enrollment and agency rule-making processes will follow the Legislature’s adoption.
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