SACRAMENTO – As part of the 2021 State budget negotiations, Assemblywoman Megan Dahle (R-Bieber) successfully secured $6.7 million to offer greater reimbursement to providers of Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Examinations. This funding will help increase access to these exams, which are a critical avenue for justice for victims of sexual assault, especially in rural areas.
After approval from the legislature and the Governor, $6.7 million will be appropriated to the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) to provide greater reimbursement to local law enforcement agencies and qualified healthcare professionals that provide these exams. Assemblywoman Dahle advocated strongly for this funding and the need to increase reimbursement for these exams through Assembly Bill 925, and successfully negotiated its inclusion into the State budget.
“I am grateful the months of hard work and collaboration with my colleagues across the aisle on AB 925 has led to this victory.” Said Dahle.” This funding is necessary to support increased access and affordability of Sexual Assault Medical Forensic exams throughout the state. Not only are they important for victims to seek justice, but they are also an essential healthcare service. I want to extend my gratitude to Dr. Sean Dugan MD, one of the few providers of these exams in the North State working at Shasta Community Health Center, whose service to the community and advocacy were instrumental in helping to advance this issue.”
Assemblywoman Dahle secured the sponsorship of the California Legislative Women’s Caucus for this issue, along with the support of the Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC), the Police Officers Research Association of California (PORAC), and the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls (CCSWG).