The Rape Shield Enhancement Act of 2024 directs the federal Judicial Conference to examine and propose changes to the Federal Rules of Evidence and Civil and Criminal Procedure to better protect sexual assault victims. Specifically, the bill asks for a report within 180 days that reviews rules governing what evidence about a victim's sexual history or behavior can be used in court, with recommendations to further limit such evidence and improve privacy protections. The legislation also seeks to narrow discovery rules in both civil and criminal cases to restrict attorneys' ability to request victims' personal, financial, medical, psychological, and sexual records unless directly relevant to the case, and to establish stronger safeguards preventing the public disclosure of any sensitive victim information that is admitted. The bill affects federal courts handling sexual assault cases and the victims involved in those proceedings. No funding or specific implementation date is included in the legislation beyond the 180-day reporting deadline.
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