Sexual Violence Investigation, Confidentiality & Due Process Act of 2027

Purpose Statement
The purpose of this Act is to ensure that victims of sexual violence may report crimes without fear of retaliation or public exposure, while preserving due process, protecting the innocent, and safeguarding the integrity of investigations.

This Act governs investigative procedures only and does not create new criminal offenses.

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE
This Act may be cited as the “Sexual Violence Investigation, Confidentiality & Due Process Act of 2027.”

SECTION 2. FINDINGS
Congress finds the following:

1. Fear of retaliation and public exposure discourages victims from reporting sexual violence.

2. Premature public disclosure can irreparably harm victims and the accused alike.

3. Justice requires both compassion for victims and adherence to due process.

4. False accusations, while less common, undermine trust and must be addressed carefully and fairly.
   

SECTION 3. CONFIDENTIAL REPORTING & ANTI-RETALIATION

1. Confidential reporting mechanisms independent of employers and institutions shall be maintained.

2. Retaliation against any reporting party, witness, or cooperating individual is prohibited and subject to penalty.

3. Protective measures shall be made available immediately upon report.
   

SECTION 4. INVESTIGATION STANDARDS

1. Investigations shall be conducted using trauma-informed practices by trained personnel.

2. Survivors may request advocacy support throughout the investigative process.

3. All parties shall receive clear notice of their rights and responsibilities.
   

SECTION 5. CONFIDENTIALITY

1. The identities of the reporting party and the accused shall remain confidential during investigation.

2. Public disclosure may occur only after:

   • a finding of probable cause

   • the filing of formal charges

   • or an indictment

3. Unauthorized disclosure of protected information shall be subject to penalty.
   

SECTION 6. DUE PROCESS PROTECTIONS

1. The presumption of innocence shall be preserved at all stages.

2. All parties shall have the right to legal counsel.

3. Equal access to evidence shall be provided.

4. No administrative or professional punishment shall occur prior to investigative findings.
   

SECTION 7. FALSE ACCUSATIONS

1. A false accusation is defined as an intentional fabrication of material facts.

2. Penalties shall apply only where intent to deceive is proven by clear and convincing evidence.

3. Independent review is required prior to any prosecution for false accusations.
   

SECTION 8. REVIEW & REAUTHORIZATION

1. Congress shall conduct periodic review of this Act.

2. Reauthorization shall be required to prevent misuse, drift, or unintended expansion.

Legislative Proposal Disclaimer

The policies and legislative proposals presented on this website reflect the goals, ideas, and priorities of Oxford C.F. Nordberg as a candidate for public office. These proposals are conceptual and subject to revision, legislative process, legal review, and constitutional constraints.
Nothing on this website should be interpreted as enacted law, legal advice, or a guarantee of legislative outcome. Any proposed legislation would require debate, amendment, and approval through the appropriate legislative bodies.

References to budgets, outcomes, timelines, or enforcement mechanisms are illustrative and intended to communicate policy intent, not final statutory language.

Legislative Proposal Disclaimer

The policies and legislative proposals presented on this website reflect the goals, ideas, and priorities of Oxford C.F. Nordberg as a candidate for public office. These proposals are conceptual and subject to revision, legislative process, legal review, and constitutional constraints.
Nothing on this website should be interpreted as enacted law, legal advice, or a guarantee of legislative outcome. Any proposed legislation would require debate, amendment, and approval through the appropriate legislative bodies.

References to budgets, outcomes, timelines, or enforcement mechanisms are illustrative and intended to communicate policy intent, not final statutory language.