HB 1868 Missouri House · 2024 Regular Session

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
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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
Photo of Doug Richey
Doug Richey
RRepublican
MO
39