Kentucky Bill Aims to Boost Access to Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners

House Bill 134 would create a S.A.N.E. coordinator and increase the number of S.A.N.E.-ready hospitals across the state.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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A bipartisan bill in the Kentucky legislature, House Bill 134, aims to increase access to sexual assault nurse examiners (S.A.N.E.s) by creating a S.A.N.E. coordinator position and expanding the number of S.A.N.E.-ready hospitals across the Commonwealth. The bill is a response to the limited availability of S.A.N.E.-certified nurses, especially in rural areas, which has led to survivors being turned away from hospitals without the proper staff.

Why it matters

Currently, Kentucky only has 25 S.A.N.E.-ready hospitals, with none located west of Owensboro. This leaves many survivors, especially in rural areas, without access to the comprehensive healthcare and forensic services provided by S.A.N.E.s after a sexual assault. The bill seeks to address this gap and ensure survivors across Kentucky can receive the care they need.

The details

House Bill 134 would create a S.A.N.E. coordinator position to oversee the expansion of S.A.N.E. services and education across the state. The bill would also establish a registry of all S.A.N.E.-ready hospitals so certified nurses know where they can serve survivors. Additionally, the legislation aims to address the backlog of untested rape kits in Kentucky by investigating the causes and finding ways to ensure current and future kits are processed promptly.

  • House Bill 134 was introduced in the Kentucky legislature in 2026.

The players

Rebecca Raymer

State Representative serving Muhlenberg and Butler Counties, who has been working on the legislation for House Bill 134.

International Association of Forensic Nurses

The organization that provides certification for Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (S.A.N.E.s).

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What they’re saying

“In the state of Kentucky, we only have 25 S.A.N.E.-ready hospitals and none west of Owensboro.”

— Rebecca Raymer, State Representative (fox56news.com)

“I heard a story of a woman who had been a victim of a rape, had gone to a hospital to report it and request the rape kit, and she was told that there was not a sign on staff, and they directed her to go to another facility, and unfortunately, that female then decided not to go to the other hospital and ended up not reporting.”

— Rebecca Raymer, State Representative (fox56news.com)

What’s next

The Kentucky legislature will vote on House Bill 134 in the coming months.

The takeaway

This legislation aims to improve access to critical healthcare and forensic services for survivors of sexual assault across Kentucky, especially in underserved rural areas, by increasing the number of S.A.N.E.-ready hospitals and creating a dedicated coordinator position to oversee the expansion of these vital resources.