SPRINGFIELD – After experiencing a sexual assault, survivors often face the added stress of arranging a ride to a safe location once their medical exam is complete. To help ease this burden, State Senator Napoleon Harris III supported a new law that expands the state’s sexual assault services voucher program to cover transportation following treatment.

“When someone has survived trauma and taken a brave step to seek medical help, the last thing they should worry about is how they’re going to get to safety,” said Harris (D-Harvey). “This new law helps make sure that survivors have the support they need every step of the way, even after they leave the hospital.”

After an individual receives medical care for a sexual assault, hospitals issue a voucher that a patient can use for related health care expenses. The voucher is valid for 90 days from the date of their hospital visit and can be used to cover costs of ambulance rides, medical forensic or laboratory services, pharmacy expenses and follow-up health care treatment.

Under the new law, the list of eligible expenses covered by the voucher will include taxi or rideshare services, such as Uber or Lyft, for a survivor to return home or to the transferring hospital, or to reach a shelter.

Senate Bill 1274 was signed into law last week and takes effect Jan. 1, 2026.