Criminal Procedure - Out of Court Statements - Vulnerable Adult Victims and Witnesses

SB 298 allows courts in Maryland to admit certain out-of-court statements made by vulnerable adult victims or witnesses (defined as adults aged 68+ or lacking capacity for daily needs) as evidence in criminal trials for specific serious crimes like assault, sexual offenses, elder abuse, and financial crimes. Courts must hold an evaluation hearing to assess the statement's trustworthiness, considering factors like the adult's cognitive ability, statement context, and potential bias. The bill requires prosecutors to give defendants 20 days' notice before using such statements, including the statement's content or recording. This change aims to improve the use of vulnerable adults' testimony while ensuring defendants have time to prepare a defense.