Modifies provisions relating to the admissibility of statements made by certain persons
This bill modifies state evidence rules to allow the testimony of children and vulnerable persons in criminal cases without requiring them to appear in the courtroom. It permits their statements to be used as proof of what they said if a judge determines the statement is reliable, even if the witness cannot testify due to severe emotional trauma. The law also clarifies that such statements can serve as sufficient corroboration for a defendant's confession, regardless of whether the child or vulnerable person is available to testify. Additionally, the bill defines a "vulnerable person" as someone with significant intellectual or psychiatric limitations, developmental delays, or those under the age of fourteen. Prosecutors must provide advance notice of their intent to use these statements to ensure the accused has a fair opportunity to prepare a defense.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Dec 2023
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Dec 11, 2023
Last action May 17, 2024
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
4
Key actions
0
Committee
1
May 17, 2024
Committee
Referred: General Laws(H)
lower
Dec 11, 2023
Introduced
Prefiled (H)
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Doug Richey
RRepublican
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