This bill expands which children can testify in separate rooms via closed-circuit television by raising the age limit from under 12 to under 18 for all eligible cases. It also clarifies that the public must be excluded from the room where the child testifies and gives the court discretion to decide which specific people can be present. These changes make it easier for vulnerable young witnesses to testify while reducing their emotional distress and protecting their privacy.
This bill does not directly amend codified state law.
Signed by the Governor H.J. 688
Delivered to the Governor H.J. 662
Signed by the President S.J. 509
Signed by the Speaker H.J. 635
House of Representatives Concurred in amendments Passed, YEAS 69, NAYS 1. H.J. 571
Senate Do Pass Amended Passed, YEAS 34, NAYS 0. S.J. 427
Judiciary Do Pass Amended Passed, YEAS 6, NAYS 0.
Judiciary Motion to amend Passed, YEAS 5, NAYS 1.
Judiciary Scheduled for hearing
First read in Senate and referred to Senate Judiciary S.J. 233
House of Representatives Do Pass Amended Passed, YEAS 67, NAYS 1. H.J. 248
Judiciary Do Pass Amended Passed, YEAS 12, NAYS 0.
Judiciary Motion to amend
Judiciary Scheduled for hearing
Judiciary Scheduled for hearing H.J. 1
First read in House and referred to House Judiciary H.J. 56
Helene Duhamel
Prime sponsor · Sen.
R
Tim Reed
Prime sponsor · Rep.
R
Cosponsors
Concurred in amendments
Do Pass Amended
Judiciary — Motion to amend
Judiciary — Do Pass Amended
Do Pass Amended
Judiciary — Do Pass Amended