Missouri to Expand Rape Kit Access

(AP) – All Missouri hospitals would be required to offer rape kits under a bill heading to the governor’s desk.

Currently, not every hospital can perform rape kits to gather evidence of sexual assault.

But a bill that would mandate access to rape kits at all licensed hospitals received final approval in the state House on Tuesday.

Now it’s up to Republican Gov. Mike Parson to sign it into law.

The measure would give hospitals access to virtual and in-person training on how to perform rape kits.

By 2023, all hospitals would be required to provide rape kits.