HB434 Summary

• Courts may order video depositions of human trafficking victims and witnesses in criminal prosecutions under Article 8 of Chapter 6 of Title 13A, without age restrictions, upon motion by the district attorney or Attorney General showing good cause.

• Courts must consider the nature of the offense, expected testimony, and potential effects on the victim or witness when ruling on video deposition motions, consistent with Supreme Court rules.

• Prosecution and defense attorneys, a therapeutic support person (excluding prosecution staff), equipment operators, and court-approved persons may be present during video depositions; the defendant views testimony remotely and communicates with counsel electronically.

• Courts may order human trafficking victims and witnesses to testify via closed circuit video equipment at trial, with testimony conducted outside the courtroom in the judge's chambers or designated location while defendant, judge, and jury remain in the courtroom with visible video feed.

• The state pays all costs associated with video depositions and closed circuit testimony through the "Court Costs Not Otherwise Provided For" fund; the act becomes effective three months after passage and approval.