MO SB382

Narrows the definition of "pending criminal proceeding" for motions to suppress evidence from unlawful seizures, limiting it to cases where an information has been issued or indictment returned, rather than including ongoing criminal investigations

Expands allowable evidence forms at preliminary hearings to include witness testimony, written expert reports, documentary evidence without proper predicate (if predicate likely available at trial), and hearsay testimony under specified conditions

Allows either party (not just defendants) to take depositions in felony cases, with depositions in misdemeanor cases permitted only upon court approval for good cause; requires the deposing party to provide transcript and recording copies at their own expense

Replaces the existing change of venue process with a streamlined procedure requiring written application within 30 days of arraignment, based on county prejudice against the defendant or undue state influence over inhabitants

Allows courts to import a jury from another county as an alternative to transferring the entire case when granting a change of venue