BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - The North Dakota Legislature has approved $250,000 aimed at preventing rape victims from having long waits for sexual assault exams.
The bill introduced by Democratic Sen. Carolyn Nelson of Fargo originally sought $500,000 to train more nurses to do sexual assault exams and to start new programs.
A House-Senate conference committee compromised on $250,000. The bill was headed to Gov. Jack Dalrymple for his signature on Monday.
The measure would allow hospitals lacking a sexual assault nurse program to begin one. Hospitals also would be allowed to work with groups that perform the exams.