HB438 Summary

• Amends Alabama Code Section 15-25-2 to authorize video depositions of human trafficking victims and witnesses of any age, without the age restriction currently applied to other crimes.

• Courts may order video depositions upon motion of the district attorney or Attorney General for good cause shown and after notice to the defendant in human trafficking prosecutions under Article 8 of Chapter 6 of Title 13A.

• Video depositions must include the prosecuting attorney, defendant's attorney, and a court-approved support person in the room with the victim or witness; defendant views testimony remotely and communicates with counsel by electronic means.

• State pays all costs for video depositions and recordings are subject to court protective orders to preserve victim privacy; the Supreme Court may adopt procedural rules for video deposition use.

• Effective on the first day of the third month following passage and gubernatorial approval.