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Minutes for SB355 - Committee on Judiciary
Short Title
Prohibiting psychiatric or psychological examinations of victims of certain sex offenses in criminal cases.
Minutes Content for Tue, Mar 10, 2020
Natalie Scott provided an overview of the bill. (Attachment 6) Ms. Scott stood for questions.
Kim T. Parker provided testimony in support of the bill. (Attachment 7) Ms. Parker explained the introduction of this bill was made to correct a problem that has been occurring for decades. She referenced a particular Supreme Court case in 1979, State vs Greg, that relied on outdated and false understandings of criminal sexual abuse, assault and rape and gender biased notions about female sexual assault victims. Any individual who is sexually assaulted should not be treated differently than any other victim of crimes. They should have equal access to justice. Ms. Parker stood for questions.
Sara Rust-Martin provided testimony in support of the bill. (Attachment 8) Ms. Rust-Martin explained requiring a victim of a crime to undergo a psychological evaluation, the results of which could be used to discredit them, is contrary to the interest of fairness and justice. Victims of other violent crimes are not routinely subjected to psychological or psychiatric evaluations. Ms. Parker stood for questions.
Chairperson Patton closed the hearing.
Chairperson informed committee membership that after Thursday's hearing they will have final action on HB2401, SB58, SB157, SB331, SB404, SB331, SB334, SB355.
Chairperson Patton adjourned the meeting at 4:46 p.m.
