IA HF403

Allows courts to order minor witnesses (under 18) to testify via two-way closed-circuit television from a separate room when testifying in the defendant's physical presence would cause trauma and impair their ability to communicate

Requires the court to make a specific finding that such protective measures are necessary before issuing the order

Specifies that the closed-circuit equipment must be two-way, allowing the minor to view the defendant while testifying, and the defendant to view the minor's testimony

Limits who may be present in the room with the testifying minor to the judge, attorneys, equipment operators, and persons the court determines would contribute to the minor's welfare

Extends the same two-way closed-circuit testimony option to victims or witnesses with mental illness, intellectual disability, or other developmental disability regardless of age