Bills · HR 5203
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 5203Employment and training programsHealth personnel
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.
INTRO SEP 8· LAST ACTION MAY 20
READING
4MIN
COSPONSORS
1
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill addresses a critical need for consistent, empathetic, and trauma-informed care for veterans who experience sexual assault. If this bill becomes law, it would ensure that veterans seeking help at VA facilities receive immediate, specialized medical attention, counseling, and appropriate follow-up, regardless of where they seek care within the VA system. This would significantly improve the initial response and long-term support for survivors, making the VA a more reliable resource during a traumatic time.
Without this bill, the quality and consistency of care for acute sexual assault survivors at VA facilities might remain uneven across different locations, potentially delaying critical medical interventions, access to mental health support, or proper evidence collection. This legislation aims to establish a standardized, effective, and survivor-centric approach, directly impacting the well-being and recovery of countless veterans.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Requires the VA to update all policies and guidance for responding to veterans who have experienced recent sexual assault within 18 months of the bill's enactment.
This ensures a consistent, modern, and trauma-informed approach across all VA facilities for a sensitive and critical issue.
PROVISION 02
Requires VA medical facilities to either employ specialized sexual assault forensic examination (SAFE/SANE) staff, refer veterans to external providers with such staff, or arrange alternative care plans.
This guarantees access to specialized forensic medical care crucial for survivors, whether directly at the VA or through coordinated external services.
PROVISION 03
Mandates annual trauma-informed training for all relevant VA employees and police officers on responding to acute sexual assault, with in-person training required at least once every five years.
Regular, specific training helps ensure VA personnel are equipped to handle these sensitive cases appropriately and empathetically.
PROVISION 04
Requires VA facilities that have SAFE/SANE staff to maintain a supply of unexpired "rape kits" and ensures clinically indicated prophylaxis for sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy are offered.
This ensures essential medical supplies and preventative treatments are readily available for immediate care for survivors.
PROVISION 05
Provides clear guidance for VA police on how and when to notify local law enforcement about an assault, balancing veteran confidentiality with federal, state, and local reporting requirements.
This aims to clarify a complex issue for law enforcement, protecting veteran privacy while ensuring proper legal procedures are followed.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 1
D· Minnesota
YRS IN OFFICE
1
BILLS LED
17
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 1 REP 0 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
9 EVENTSMAY 20
Committee Hearings Held
MAR 18
Subcommittee on Health Discharged
MAR 18
Committee Hearings Held
MAR 18
Committee Hearings Held
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 5203
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedSep 8, 2025
Last actionMay 20, 2026
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · VETERANS' AFFAIRS COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED SEP 8, 2025
House BillHR 5203Employment and training programsHealth personnel
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 SEP 8, 2025· LAST ACTION MAY 20, 2026
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
4 min
COSPONSORS
1
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
