SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) - The New Mexico House of Representatives has passed a bill aimed at safeguard the legal rights of sexual-assault victims who report to police.
The House endorsed the bill on a 67-1 vote Tuesday. The bill now moves to the state Senate for consideration.
The proposed Sexual Assault Survivor’s Bill of Rights from Democratic Rep. Elizabeth Thomson of Albuquerque would require that police notify crime victims about their legal rights when it comes to sexual assault examination kits. Those legal guarantees include the right to have the kit tested within 90 days and to be notified whether DNA samples are linked to potential suspects.
The bill also addresses the right of sexual assault victims to have an advocate present during examinations, interviews and investigations.
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