Beech Tree News Network

Please click here to view a clip of Representative Rebecca Raymer discussing HB 134 on the House Floor.

Frankfort, Kentucky (January 29, 2026) – Members of the Kentucky House voted to pass legislation that would give Kentuckians greater access to sexual assault nurse examiners (SANEs). In Kentucky, one in four women will experience an attempted or completed rape in their lifetime, underscoring the need for increased access to compassionate care for sexual assault survivors.

Sponsored by State Representative Rebecca Raymer of Morgantown, House Bill (HB) 134 aims to close gaps in and strengthen existing care for sexual assault survivors. Specifically, HB 134 would require the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) to hire a statewide SANE coordinator to help improve program operations and support credentialed SANEs.

This proposed legislation is a direct result of the 2025 Regular Session’s House Concurrent Resolution (HCR) 20, which required the Legislative Research Commission (LRC), the administrative arm of the General Assembly, to study access to SANEs in emergency care settings.

“Lack of access to care for sexual assault survivors across Kentucky has left many without crucial support in their greatest time of need,” said Raymer. “House Bill 134 is designed to help close gaps in care by ensuring more Kentucky hospitals are fully equipped to provide sexual assault survivors with timely, compassionate, trauma-informed care.”

Under HB 134, CHFS would be required to create a description, essential duties, and responsibilities of the SANE coordinator position. At a minimum, the SANE coordinator would be required to identify and recruit potential SANEs across the state; organize and facilitate comprehensive SANE training programs; create and maintain relationships with key stakeholders; and increase SANE Program collaboration. Additionally, CHFS would be required to work together with the Kentucky Hospital Association, the Kentucky Board of Nursing, the Sexual Assault Response Team Advisory Committee, and other appropriate entities to create and submit a statewide strategic plan to the General Assembly by December 1, 2026, that uses a regional approach to ensure SANE coverage for all Kentucky hospitals. This legislation would also require CHFS to create an operational state registry of SANEs by December 1, 2026. The registry would be made accessible from CHFS’s website by registered SANEs and Kentucky hospitals.

“Sexual assault nurse examiners help provide compassionate medical care and emotional support to sexual assault survivors, ensuring that no survivor has to face their trauma alone,” Raymer added. “Passing this legislation in the House means we are one step closer to making sure every sexual assault survivor has access to the quality care and support they deserve.” 

HB 134 now moves to the Kentucky Senate for consideration. For more information on HB 134, please click here or visit legislature.ky.gov.