Governor Sisolak Signs Four Bills, Including Measures To Expand Family Planning Services, Strengthen Pro-Choice Laws, and Help Law Enforcement Solve Sexual Assault Cases

Statement

Today, Governor Steve Sisolak signed four bills into law, including a measure that repeals outdated criminal penalties for abortion and brings in line antiquated informed consent laws with today's medical standards, a bill that allocates $6 million for family planning services, and a measure that removes the statute of limitations for prosecuting a sexual assault case if the identity of the accused can be established by DNA evidence.

SB179, sponsored by Sen. Yvanna Cancela, repeals outdated criminal penalties, including a $10,000 fine or 10 years in prison, for performing or prescribing a medically-induced abortion and brings in line outdated informed consent laws with today's medical standards. The legislation removes current requirements that abortion providers certify a woman's marital status and explain the emotional implications of having an abortion before performing the procedure.

SB94, sponsored by the Legislative Committee on Health Care, appropriates $6 million for statewide family planning services grants to fund health care services like contraception, maternal care, cancer screenings, and STI prevention. This measure fully funds Gov. Sisolak's recommendation for family planning services in his executive budget.

AB142, sponsored by Assemblywoman Lisa Krasner, eliminates the statute of limitations for prosecuting sexual assault cases if the identity of the alleged offender can be established by DNA evidence, which can help law enforcement in solving sexual assault cold cases.

AB410, sponsored by Assemblywoman Lisa Krasner, extends the period of time that a temporary order for protection against domestic violence is valid from 30 days to 45 days.

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