MN SF4156

Raises the age threshold for children permitted to testify outside the courtroom from under 12 to under 18 years old in Minnesota.

Applies when a child is alleging, denying, or describing physical abuse, sexual contact or penetration, or crimes of violence committed against the child or another person.

Court may order testimony to be taken in a room other than the courtroom, televised by closed-circuit equipment, or recorded for later viewing by the jury to minimize trauma and secure truthful testimony.

Limits those present during testimony to the judge, attorneys for defendant and state, persons contributing to the child's welfare, and equipment operators; in child protection or custody proceedings, attorneys for parties with participation rights may also be present.

Permits defendants in criminal or delinquency matters to observe and hear testimony in person, unless the court finds the defendant's presence would psychologically traumatize the witness, in which case the defendant may observe by video from a separate room.