HB330 Summary

• Amends Section 15-25-2 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to remove and update outdated references to "videotape" and replace them with "video" throughout the statute governing depositions in child abuse cases.

• Allows courts to order video depositions of alleged victims or witnesses under age 16 in criminal prosecutions for physical or sexual abuse or exploitation of children, upon motion by the district attorney or Attorney General with good cause shown.

• Specifies that during video depositions, the prosecuting attorney, defendant's attorney, and a therapeutic support person must be present in the room with the child; additional persons such as parents may be admitted at the court's discretion.

• Requires the state to pay all costs associated with recording depositions and to provide the defendant's attorney reasonable access to view the deposition before trial.

• Became effective on the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor, with House passage on March 2, 2021 and Senate passage on April 29, 2021.