This bill clarifies rules for child witnesses testifying in court by requiring the public to be excluded from the room where the child testifies, while allowing the court to decide which specific people (like a supportive adult) can be present. It also allows a judge to exclude a defendant from the room if the judge finds the defendant's presence would cause the child substantial emotional distress that would harm their ability to testify, but requires the defendant to still see and hear the testimony through closed-circuit television so they can observe the witness.
This bill does not directly amend codified state law.
Signed by the Governor S.J. 494
Delivered to the Governor S.J. 461
Signed by the Speaker H.J. 506
Signed by the President S.J. 447
House of Representatives Do Pass Amended Passed, YEAS 54, NAYS 14. H.J. 479
House of Representatives Deferred to another day H.J. 467
Judiciary Do Pass Passed, YEAS 8, NAYS 2.
Judiciary Scheduled for hearing
First read in House and referred to House Judiciary H.J. 212
Senate Do Pass Amended Passed, YEAS 33, NAYS 2. S.J. 168
Senate Deferred to another day S.J. 152
Judiciary Do Pass Amended Passed, YEAS 6, NAYS 0.
Judiciary Motion to amend
Judiciary Scheduled for hearing
First read in Senate and referred to Senate Judiciary S.J. 59
Becky Drury
Prime sponsor · Rep.
R
Tim Reed
Prime sponsor · Sen.
R
Cosponsors
Do Pass Amended
Judiciary — Do Pass
Do Pass Amended
Judiciary — Do Pass Amended