Manger Bill Creating Statewide Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Coordinator Signed into Law
OKLAHOMA CITY – A measure aimed at supporting sexual assault victims across Oklahoma has been signed into law by the Governor, securing the continuation of the Statewide Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Coordinator position within the District Attorneys Council. House Bill 4141 by Rep. Robert Manger, R-Oklahoma City, removes a sunset date in state law to allow the coordinator position to continue once funding is secured. The role coordinates with SANE nurses across Oklahoma who provide compassionate care to victims of sexual assault and collect critical forensic evidence that may later be used in court. "Our state needs this to be a permanent position because victims deserve it," Manger said. "I am thankful that the Governor signed this into law, making it a reality. Not many people understand that SANE nurses have a very specialized skill set in getting the documentation and tests needed to put their abusers away for good. This role is vital in not only getting the justice victims deserve but also in making Oklahoma a safer place to live and grow your families." The SANE coordinator position was previously funded through a federal grant administered by the Tulsa Police Department, but those funds expired, and the role ceased to exist. The SANE coordinator will oversee forensic medical examination training for SANE nurses statewide, providing consistent program development and ensuring all nurses have access to the same tools and resources. "Before this bill and the fund, Oklahoma had no centralized oversight or coordination among SANE programs which limited victims' access to exams," Manger said. "This would lead to perpetrators not being held accountable and also affected the quality of evidence collected in investigations." The coordinator will also be in charge of recruiting and developing additional SANE professionals to expand additional SANE and Sexual Assault Response Team programs. "We also cannot forget about the compassionate care that these SANE nurses provide victims," Manger said. "These are some of the hardest moments that could happen to a person and the nurses are trained and trauma-informed to provide the care victims need not to relive an unthinkable circumstance."

