HB 1728: Child victims and witnesses; using two-way closed-circuit television.

Official summary

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

Child victims and witnesses using two-way closed-circuit television or other securely encrypted two-way audio and video technology; standard. Allows the court to order that the testimony of a child be taken by two-way closed-circuit television or other securely encrypted two-way audio and video technology if it finds that the child is unavailable to testify in open court in the presence of the defendant, the jury, the judge, and the public if the court finds, by clear and convincing evidence, based upon expert opinion testimony, that the child will suffer at least moderate emotional trauma that is more than nervousness or excitement or some reluctance to testify as a result of testifying in the defendant's presence and not in the courtroom generally where such trauma would impair the child's ability to communicate.Under current law, the court may order such testimony be taken by two-way closed-circuit television if it finds that (i) the child has a substantial inability to communicate about the offense or (ii) there is a substantial likelihood, based upon expert opinion testimony, that the child will suffer severe emotional trauma from so testifying.The bill also extends the application window for the party seeking such order from seven to 14 days before the trial date or such other preliminary proceeding to which such order is to apply.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 1

“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 21, 2025Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0191)
2. March 21, 2025Approved by Governor-Chapter 191 (Effective 07/01/25)
3. March 5, 2025Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., March 24, 2025
4. March 5, 2025Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 5, 2025
5. February 23, 2025Signed by President
6. February 23, 2025Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB1728)
7. February 20, 2025Signed by Speaker
8. February 20, 2025Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB1728ER)
9. February 20, 2025Enrolled
10. February 18, 2025Senate Amendments agreed to by House (92-Y 4-N)
11. February 14, 2025Passed Senate with amendments (32-Y 4-N)
12. February 14, 2025Engrossed by Senate as amended

Showing 12 most recent of 40 actions. Full history