Bill Proposes New Method of Funding Sexual Assault Kits to Better Serve Rural Montana

Legislators are considering a proposal that supporters say will help victims of sexual assault get local, timely care in rural areas by changing the source of funding for sexual assault examinations.

The sponsor of the bill, Sen. Bob Phalen, R-Lindsay, said in an initial committee hearing last week that Senate Bill 491 would create a centralized state fund that uses revenue from the marijuana tax to pay for sexual assault medical examinations instead of local law enforcement paying for the care.

“By passing this bill, we are reinforcing Montana’s commitment to public safety, supporting law enf...