Evidence - As introduced, adds a rebuttable presumption that the criteria for a child victim to testify by two-way closed circuit television in a criminal matter involving certain offenses are met if the child is under 13 years of age. - Amends TCA Title 24, Chapter 7 and Title 39.

SB 2359 modifies Tennessee law to create a rebuttable presumption that children under 13 years old would suffer significant emotional distress from testifying in court during criminal cases involving certain offenses, making it easier for judges to allow video testimony instead. The bill directly affects child victims under 13 in criminal trials, shifting the burden to the defense to prove the child wouldn’t be traumatized if testifying in person. Key provisions require judges to find that video testimony wouldn’t unduly prejudice the defendant before ordering it. The law amends Tennessee Code Annotated Sections 24-7-120 and 39, aiming to reduce trauma for young witnesses while maintaining defendant rights.