OLYMPIA, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A federal judge has ruled in favor of Washington’s ban on self-administered sexual assault kits.

The judge dismissed a lawsuit challenging the law filed by the Pennsylvania company that makes the kits.

Attorney General Bob Ferguson’s office says the 2023 law was needed because evidence collected with over-the-counter kits is rarely admissible in court. Lawmakers found that the at-home kits create false expectations and hamper successful prosecutions.

Free professional sexual assault exams are available in Washington state. For information about the free exams, head to the WA Safe website.