MD HB293

Lowers the standard for allowing child victims to testify via closed circuit television in child abuse cases, requiring only a finding of "serious emotional distress" rather than distress so severe the child "cannot reasonably communicate"

Requires closed circuit testimony to be given within the courthouse in a setting the court finds will mitigate the child's emotional distress

Guarantees defendants and child respondents a means of privately communicating orally and in real time with their attorney who is in the room with the testifying child

Prohibits use of two-way closed circuit television or any procedure that would allow the child victim to see or hear the defendant

Takes effect October 1, 2025