Supporters say the bills would enact a “Survivors Bill of Rights” and provide greater support to those healing from abuse.
If passed, the package would require that survivors be told they have a right to be with counselors when reporting an incident. It would also require hospitals to provide a free shower to survivors who receive a forensic exam.
Similar legislation was proposed in the previous two sessions under a Republican majority, but lawmakers were unable to find consensus.
During a press conference announcing the bills Thursday, Republican Senator John Damoose said he hopes the legislature can bring justice to survivors.
“We've looked survivors in the eye, many of them in this room today, too many times in promised action, and it hasn't come. So let's come together this time and make it different.”
The bills would also revise the statute of limitations to give survivors more time to seek legal action against their abusers.
