SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - Jolene’s Law Task Force will propose legislation focusing on the first person to hear a child’s report of sexual assault.
State Senator Deb Soholt says the goal is to enhance existing mandatory reporting laws. Sohilt says often the initial reporter goes to their supervisor who passes the information up the chain. She says the initial reporter is sometimes left out of the process and forgotten.
Soholt says proposed legislation would tighten the loophole so the first responder is definately brought into the mix. Making sure that the first contact with the victim is recorded.
Soholt says if the Legislature approves continuing the Task Force next year it will add a state’s attorney to the panel.
The Task Force will present it's entire report to the Legislature in the first week of the session.