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IA HF2639
Bill
Status
Introduced
2/19/2026
Primary Sponsor
Judiciary
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AI Summary
- Creates new section 701.14 establishing procedures and protections for discovery depositions of minor victims (under 18) in criminal cases
- Establishes a rebuttable presumption allowing depositions when defense counsel demonstrates by preponderance of evidence that the deposition is critical to receiving a fair trial
- Defines "deponent abuse" as attorney conduct during depositions that humiliates, intimidates, or causes unnecessary psychological harm to minors, including threatening tones, inappropriate sexual history questions, and continuing questioning during emotional distress without breaks
- Requires defense counsel to file written applications specifying factual matters to explore, why information is critical to the defense, and efforts made to obtain information through less intrusive discovery methods
- Mandates courts weigh multiple factors including the minor's age, severity of alleged offense, potential psychological impact, and availability of forensic interviews before granting deposition requests
Legislative Description
A bill for an act relating to limitations on discovery depositions involving minor victims.(Formerly HF 2135.)
Last Action
Amendment H-8189 filed. H.J. 615.
3/9/2026
Full Bill Text
No bill text available