Kaine Introduces Federal Bills to Combat Campus Sexual Assault Following Cornell Allegations

By Billy Briefman · October 2, 2026 · 2 min read read

New Bills Aim to Prevent Sexual Assaults on College Campuses and Support Survivors Originally reported by WRIC 8News. WRIC 8News U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine introduced two federal bills this week to...

New Bills Aim to Prevent Sexual Assaults on College Campuses and Support Survivors

Originally reported by WRIC 8News. WRIC 8News

U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine introduced two federal bills this week to strengthen sexual assault prevention and survivor support services at colleges and universities following recent allegations of sexual assault at Cornell University.

The legislative push follows recent allegations of sexual assault at Cornell University, which renewed national scrutiny regarding campus safety protocols. The proposed measures aim to standardize how institutions respond to reports of violence and ensure students have access to necessary resources, according to reporting from WRIC 8News.

Strengthening Prevention and Support

The first bill, the Survivor Outreach and Support Campus Act, requires every institution of higher education that receives federal funding to appoint a campus services advocate. This individual would provide emergency assistance, discuss legal options, and guide survivors through the reporting process, according to the legislative summary.

The second piece of legislation, the Teach Safe Relationships Act, focuses on prevention through education. This bill would authorize funding for peer-led programs and training designed to help students recognize the signs of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, according to WRIC 8News.

Addressing Campus Safety Gaps

Kaine emphasized that the bills address critical gaps in how schools currently handle sexual misconduct. The senator noted that the legislation seeks to create a safer environment for all students by prioritizing both immediate advocacy and long-term education.

"We have to do more to ensure that our students are safe on campus and that survivors have the support they need to heal and seek justice," Kaine said in a statement regarding the bills.

The legislation now moves to the Senate for further consideration. If passed, the bills would apply to all public and private colleges that receive federal financial assistance, including institutions throughout VA, according to WRIC 8News.

This article is based on reporting originally published by WRIC 8News. Channel RVA provides this coverage with additional local context for the Richmond community.