STATEHOUSE (Aug. 25, 2026) – The Interim Study Committee on Public Health, Behavioral Health and Human Services recently met to hear from law enforcement, nurses, advocacy groups and survivors on the development and implementation of a statewide sexual assault response plan, according to State Rep. Becky Cash (R-Zionsville).
"Survivors deserve a response that is compassionate, coordinated and consistent. The testimony we heard during the committee meeting will help us better understand where Indiana's current system is working and where we can do more to improve it," Cash said. "I look forward to continuing this work and finding ways to ensure every survivor can access the support and resources they need."
Cash said she requested this topic be studied ahead of the 2027 legislative session to prepare legislation aimed at supporting survivors of sexual assault and equipping law enforcement to better handle these cases.
The Interim Study Committee on Public Health, Behavioral Health and Human Services was tasked with studying the topics of Indiana's sexual assault response workforce, the availability of services to survivors and sexual assault response plans. This includes the development of uniform statewide policies.
Cash has authored legislation in recent years, including HB 1073 (2026) and HB 1413 (2025), to address the backlog of untested rape kits in Indiana. She also introduced HB 1415 (2025) to establish a state sexual assault response team. Cash plans to continue advocating for survivors and a statewide sexual assault response plan during the 2027 legislative session.
The 2027 legislative session will convene in January and Organization Day, the ceremonial start of the session, will be on Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2026. To stay up to date on study committees, visit iga.in.gov.
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State Rep. Becky Cash (R-Zionsville) represents House District 25,
which includes portions of Boone and Hendricks counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
PHOTO CAPTION: State Rep. Becky Cash (R-Zionsville) listens to committee testimony and takes notes during the Interim Study Committee on Public Health, Behavioral Health and Human Services meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026, at the Statehouse in Indianapolis.
