BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - North Dakota’s House has removed funding from a bill aimed at preventing rape victims from having long waits for sexual assault exams.
The bill introduced by Democratic Sen. Carolyn Nelson of Fargo originally sought $500,000 to train more nurses to do sexual assault exams and to start new programs. Senate budget writers later cut the funding to $200,000.
On Monday, the House voted 90-0 to approve the bill but with no funding.
The measure would allow hospitals lacking a sexual assault nurse program to begin one. Hospitals also would be allowed to work with groups that perform the exams.
The measure now goes to a House-Senate conference committee to see if a compromise can be reached.
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