HB 570 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.

• Grants the Department of the Attorney General authority to intervene and investigate circumstances in family court adjudications involving child abuse.

• Enacts the Uniform Child Witness Testimony by Alternative Methods Act, allowing courts to permit child witnesses (under age 18) to testify through alternative methods such as closed-circuit testimony, video recording, or testimony outside the presence of the defendant when clear and convincing evidence shows the child would suffer serious emotional distress that substantially impairs their ability to communicate.

• Requires expedited criminal proceedings for offenses involving child abuse (including sexual assault, physical abuse, and related crimes), limiting continuances to no more than three per party and requiring trials to commence within 12 months of charge or indictment.

• Mandates courts impose sanctions against defense attorneys unprepared to commence trial in child abuse cases.