HB2225 Summary

• Establishes a Child Abuse Investigation Unit within the Department of the Attorney General to investigate child abuse cases under chapter 587A upon referral from courts, law enforcement, prosecutors, or state departments.

• Authorizes the Department of the Attorney General to intervene and investigate circumstances in any family court adjudication involving child abuse.

• Enacts the Uniform Child Witness Testimony by Alternative Methods Act, allowing courts to permit child witnesses to testify outside an open forum or away from the defendant in criminal and noncriminal proceedings when clear and convincing evidence shows the child would suffer serious emotional distress.

• Requires courts to allow child witnesses to testify by alternative methods in noncriminal proceedings when necessary to serve the child's best interests, using a preponderance of the evidence standard.

• Mandates expedited criminal proceedings for offenses involving child abuse under sections 707-730 through 707-733.6, limiting continuances to three and requiring trials to commence within twelve months of charge or indictment.