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.
HR 5203 requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to update its policies for managing acute sexual assault cases involving veterans within 72 hours of the incident at VA facilities. It mandates that VA medical facilities must have access to certified sexual assault forensic examiners (SAFE/SANE providers), maintain rape kits, offer preventive care for STIs and pregnancy, and provide mental health referrals. The bill also requires annual staff training on these protocols and clear guidelines for VA police regarding reporting to local law enforcement while protecting veteran confidentiality. This directly affects veterans seeking care at VA facilities for recent sexual assault, ensuring standardized, trauma-informed care.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Sep 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
President
Introduced Sep 8, 2025
Last action May 20, 2026
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
6
Key actions
3
Committee
5
May 20, 2026
Lower · Passed
Committee Hearings Held
lower
Mar 18, 2026
Lower · Passed
Committee Hearings Held
lower
Mar 18, 2026
Lower · Passed
Subcommittee on Health Discharged
lower
Dec 19, 2025
Committee
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
lower
Sep 8, 2025
Committee
Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
lower
Sep 8, 2025
Introduced
Introduced in House
lower
1 primary · 1 co-sponsor
Sponsors
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