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Nebraska fund would clarify financial onus of rape kit exams

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Advocates for survivors of sexual assaults in Nebraska say some victims mistakenly receive statements for medical costs of sexual assault exams, despite state and federal law prohibiting such notices.

A measure proposed to the Nebraska Legislature would create a state fund for the charges that pile up when a victim reports a sexual assault, ensuring survivors will not be charged with paying for going to the hospital.

Suzanne Gage, a spokeswoman for the attorney general's office, which is backing the bill, said Nebraska's current system has been leading to questions about who pays and when. The proposal would shift the onus off of law enforcement and instead would use a pool of private, state and federal money to pay for up to $200 for the examiner's fee and up to $300 for the examination facility.

The bill is LB1097.

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