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AL SB235
Bill
Status
2/17/2022
Primary Sponsor
Vivian Figures
Click for details
AI Summary
SB235 Summary
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Extends victim and witness protections in criminal prosecutions for physical offenses, sexual offenses, and violent offenses to include "protected persons" (individuals with developmental disabilities) in addition to children under age 16.
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Defines "protected person" as someone with intellectual disability, autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, or other disabling neurological condition originating before age 22 that substantially handicaps their ability to function in society.
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Allows use of anatomically correct dolls or mannequins during testimony for witnesses under age 12 or protected persons (previously limited to witnesses under age 10).
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Permits leading questions at trial for victims or witnesses under age 12 or protected persons if the court determines it furthers justice; allows video depositions and closed-circuit testimony for these witnesses.
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Repeals Section 15-25-33 regarding expert testimony about child unavailability; becomes effective the first day of the third month following passage and approval.
Legislative Description
Criminal procedure, protected person defined, child under 16 a person with intellectual disability, protected person to be offered protection in criminal prosecutions for physical offenses, sexual offenses, and violent offenses, use of anatomically correct dolls or mannequins during testimony of a child under 12 or a protected person, authorized, Sec. 15-25-7 added; Sec. 15-25-33 repealed; Secs. 15-25-1, 15-25-2, 15-25-3, 15-25-5, 15-25-6, 15-25-30, 15-25-31, 15-25-32, 15-25-34, 15-25-36, 15-25-37, 15-25-38, 15-25-39 am'd.
Criminal Law and Procedure
Last Action
Indefinitely Postponed
4/6/2022