The Sexual Assault Survivors’ Task Force, established by Gov. Greg Abbott, released its third Biennial Report to the Texas Legislature today.
The report offers a series of policy recommendations hoping to enhance support for survivors and strengthen the state’s response to sex crimes.
Abbott, who praised the task force’s efforts in a recent press release, also spoke about the importance of combating sexual assault across Texas and improving the resources available to victims in the state.
“Last session, I signed a law to permanently establish the Sexual Assault Survivors’ Task Force. Their critical work on behalf of Texas’ adult and child sexual assault survivors for the last four years has been a key component in our goal to raise awareness and combat this heinous crime,” Abbott stated in the press release.
The Sexual Assault Survivors’ Task Force (SASTF), which was officially established in 2019 and permanently written into law last year with the signing of Senate Bill 1402, works to ensure a survivor-centered, informed, and coordinated response to sexual violence all across Texas for survivors of any age. Its overall mission is to advocate for survivors of sexual assault and improve various support and response systems across the state.
According to Abbott’s office, the task force recently issued a set of policy recommendations aimed at enhancing survivor support and strengthening offender accountability.
Proposed changes include expanding general survivors’ rights, such as extending lease termination rights and extending medical care “reimbursements” to cover 30 days of follow-up care for victims.
The task force also calls for more extended certification periods for Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners and better data coordination through mandatory Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) reports.
Additional recommendations from the task force include banning registered sex offenders from rideshare jobs like Uber or Lyft, as well as allowing broader use of evidence in adult sexual assault cases to help clarify the defendant’s state of mind and relationship with the victim during the crime.
The report from SASTF and recommendations will be reviewed during the upcoming 89th Legislative Session as lawmakers consider how best to implement the task force’s suggestions and further the state’s commitment to fighting sexual assault.
“By actively engaging in crime prevention, prosecution, advocacy, and victim support, Texas is working tirelessly to protect the right of all Texans to live safely and securely,” Abbott added.
