Bill · H.R. 5203· House(119-HR-5203)
To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to update directives of the Department of Veterans Affairs regarding the management of acute sexual assault, and for other purposes.
- Introduced
- 9/8/2025
- Last activity
- 5/20/2026 — Committee Hearings Held
- Sponsored by
- Kelly Morrison
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to update Department directives regarding the management of acute sexual assault. The updates must include new policies for employees, medical facility requirements, and guidance for police officers. Medical facilities will be required to employ certified providers and maintain supplies of unexpired rape kits. Veterans will be offered specific medical prophylaxes and mental health care counseling or referrals. Additionally, the bill mandates annual training for appropriate employees and police officers.
Yes· 3 of 6
Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together?+9
The bill significantly enhances the standard of care and specialized response for veterans experiencing acute sexual assault.
Does this make health care easier to get in general?+8
The bill improves access to specialized care by requiring medical facilities to employ certified SAFE or SANE providers and maintain unexpired rape kits.
Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive?+8
The bill enhances veteran care by updating policies for medical, mental health, and forensic response to sexual assault.
The opposite
Does this protect people from being watched or searched?-2
The bill requires guidance on documenting notifications to law enforcement, which may impact the confidentiality of the veteran's situation.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Improved Medical Care Standards: Medical facility directors must ensure the employment of certified SAFE clinical providers or SANE certified professionals, which ensures specialized care for veterans (Section 1(a)(2)).
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Resource Availability: The bill requires medical facilities that employ certified providers to maintain a supply of unexpired rape kits (Section 1(a)(3)).
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Proactive Health Measures: Veterans will be offered prophylaxes for pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases if clinically indicated (Section 1(a)(4)).
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Mental Health Support: Each covered veteran will be offered local mental health care counseling or a referral to a provider (Section 1(a)(5)).
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Standardized Training: The bill mandates annual training for employees and police officers to ensure they are updated on new policies and trauma-informed investigation curricula (Section 1(b)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Privacy Concerns: While the bill seeks to balance confidentiality, it requires guidance on how police officers document the notification of local law enforcement regarding an acute sexual assault (Section 1(a)(6)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Veterans+9Good For Women+6
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access+8Improves Mental Health Access+7
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Veterans Benefits+8
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Gender Equality+5
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Privacy Rights-2
- 7/9/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 5/20/2026
- Committee Hearings Held
- 3/18/2026
- Subcommittee on Health Discharged
- Committee Hearings Held
- 12/19/2025
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
- 9/8/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- Introduced in House
Melanie StansburyDemocrat · New Mexico