This legislation is expected to have a significant positive impact on state laws concerning the provision of health and wellness services for survivors of sexual assault. By authorizing $30 million in annual funding for such programs from 2026 through 2030, the bill seeks to bolster existing services and introduce new ones, thereby improving the overall efficacy of support provided to this vulnerable community. The provision of grants to eligible entities—such as nonprofit organizations and coalitions focused on sexual assault—will empower these organizations to expand their reach and enhance service delivery.
Summary
House Bill 4510, titled the 'Healing Partnerships for Survivors Act', aims to amend the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act by establishing grant programs that strengthen partnerships between health and wellness providers and community-based sexual assault programs. The purpose of the bill is to enhance the support system available to survivors of sexual assault throughout their lives, thereby addressing both immediate and long-term needs. The bill emphasizes trauma-informed care and culturally relevant services, aiming to create a comprehensive support network for survivors.
Contention
The bill has drawn a range of responses from stakeholders. Proponents argue that increasing funding and support systems for survivors is essential for promoting their well-being and integration into society. They assert that a robust network of services can aid in healing and recovery. However, critics may voice concerns regarding the effectiveness of grant management and the sufficiency of oversight concerning the allocation of funds. Others may question whether the proposed interventions sufficiently address the prevention of sexual assault, focusing too heavily on responsive measures after incidents occur.
Recognizing the week of September 30th as "National Orange Shirt Week" or "National Week of Remembrance", which aims to honor those who were forced to attend Indian boarding schools, and to recognize the experience of Indian boarding school victims and survivors.
Responsible Legislating ActThis bill establishes or modifies various federal programs and requirements, including those related to retirement accounts, penalties for certain sex offenses, foreign investment and ownership, and appropriations.The bill makes changes to retirement account contributions and distributions, including increasing the maximum amount that may be contributed to a Roth Individual Retirement Account (IRA) to include certain contributions to a Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees (SIMPLE IRA) or Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) plan, subject to limitations. The bill establishes an enhanced penalty—an additional prison term of up to five years—for certain interstate human trafficking offenses or coercion of sexual activity that occurs in a school zone or related area.The Department of Commerce must report on efforts to increase foreign direct investment in semiconductor-related manufacturing and production. The Federal Maritime Commission must evaluate the effect of foreign ownership of marine terminals at the 15 largest U.S. container ports on U.S. economic security.The bill provides additional appropriations for the Departments of Health and Human Services, Agriculture, State, Defense, Homeland Security, and Energy.The bill extends mandatory livestock market reporting requirements through FY2025.The bill revises the required frequency of meetings held by a credit union's board of directors by decreasing the frequency for existing credit unions with satisfactory soundness ratings. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA's) enhanced-use leasing authority is reauthorized through 2033.The bill requires hearings on the bill's implementation within one year of the date of enactment.