SB 00519 Summary

• Establishes mandatory automatic disclosure timelines: prosecutors must provide certain evidence within 30 days of a not guilty plea and additional materials 35 days before trial, eliminating the prior requirement for defendants to file motions.

• Requires prosecutors to disclose police reports, witness statements, expert reports, physical evidence, recordings, prior convictions, and exculpatory information in the same electronic format maintained by the state upon request.

• Restricts defendants from further disclosing state materials without prior approval from prosecutors or court authorization, except to employees assisting with the case or when information is already public.

• Mandates written acknowledgment of all disclosures before guilty pleas or trial and requires prosecutors to disclose additional credibility information for jailhouse witnesses, including criminal history, immunity deals, and prior testimony against other defendants.

• Allows discovery of child pornography materials but requires them to remain in state custody with no copying permitted, while making materials reasonably available for inspection at state facilities; effective October 1, 2018.