With sexual harassment allegations having been leveled against officials of both major Indiana political parties in recent years, State Representative Victoria Garcia Wilburn (D-Fishers) has announced two of the ten bills she plans to introduce, focusing on supporting sexual assault survivors and enhancing protections for law enforcement officers. Representative Garcia Wilburn did not mention the allegations of sexual misconduct against state officials in announcing the introduction of the two proposed measures.
The centerpiece of her legislative agenda is the creation of a Sexual Assault Survivor Bill of Rights, a measure inspired by testimony heard during the 2024 Interim Study Committee on Corrections and Criminal Code. Survivors and advocates detailed significant gaps in Indiana’s support systems, including a backlog of untested rape kits and hostile experiences when seeking justice.
The proposed legislation aims to address these issues with provisions such as expediting the processing of rape kits and guaranteeing victims access to law enforcement reports related to their cases.
“From our extensive rape kit backlog to a reporting process that further violates victims, Indiana has work to do when it comes to truly supporting survivors of sexual assault,” Garcia Wilburn said. “Over the past months, I’ve met with survivors and advocates, and it’s clear that we need to do more than offer words of support—we need action. This bill of rights is a crucial step in affirming Indiana’s commitment to improving the sexual assault investigation process and ensuring survivors receive the justice and dignity they deserve.”
Another bill in her package focuses on strengthening penalties for sexual battery against law enforcement officers. Under current law, sexual battery is classified as a Level 6 felony; the proposed legislation would elevate the offense to a Level 4 felony when committed against an officer in the line of duty.
“Our law enforcement officers need to know that the state has their back if they experience the horror of sexual battery while in the line of duty,” Garcia Wilburn said. “Wearing the badge is an act of bravery, and those who seek to harm or violate our officers must face serious consequences. My hope is that this legislation will deter such heinous acts and reinforce the state’s commitment to protecting our blue family.”
The 2025 legislative session is scheduled to begin on January 8, 2025.