HB 25-1114: Defense Review of Tangible Object for Criminal Trial

Official summary

Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.

The act grants a right for defense counsel to review a tangible object related to a criminal case at least 35 days before a trial, except for cases involving sexually exploitative material, and create confidential work product following their review. Law enforcement shall designate a specific location for the evidence viewing and be present during the evidence viewing to ensure chain of custody and integrity of the evidence. The act does not limit the defense's ability to request testing or a hearing, or the court's ability to conduct a hearing, on a tangible piece of evidence. Law enforcement officers and other state officials may record an evidence viewing by either the prosecution or the defense for the purpose of ensuring the chain of custody, integrity, or safety of the evidence held by the law enforcement agency, and must provide notice to the prosecuting authority and defense if a recording occurs. Law enforcement may view the recording for purposes of organization or cataloguing the evidence, or as authorized by a court order. A trial court may enter protective orders relating to a recording of an evidence viewing. When a member of the defense team is viewing evidence and is incidentally recorded on a law enforcement body-worn camera, it is not an interaction with law enforcement for purposes of the body-worn camera statute and is not for the purpose of enforcing the law or investigating possible violations of the law. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 12

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. March 26, 2025Governor Signed
2. March 20, 2025Signed by the President of the Senate
3. March 20, 2025Sent to the Governor
4. March 19, 2025Signed by the Speaker of the House
5. March 10, 2025House Considered Senate Amendments - Result was to Concur - Repass
6. March 7, 2025Senate Third Reading Passed - No Amendments
7. March 6, 2025Senate Second Reading Passed with Amendments - Committee
8. March 3, 2025Senate Committee on Judiciary Refer Amended to Senate Committee of the Whole
9. February 21, 2025Introduced In Senate - Assigned to Judiciary
10. February 18, 2025House Third Reading Passed - No Amendments
11. February 14, 2025House Second Reading Special Order - Passed with Amendments - Committee, Floor
12. February 10, 2025House Second Reading Laid Over Daily - No Amendments

Showing 12 most recent of 14 actions. Full history