MS HB1363

Requires any testimony regarding child abuse taken from a child during investigations by the Department of Human Services to be recorded verbatim with audio or video recording, or both.

Amends child testimony procedures in legal proceedings to ensure videotaped depositions of child victims are recorded verbatim and preserved by both videotape and stenographic means.

Grants children testifying in court proceedings involving abuse additional protections including the right to a support person, child-friendly questioning, facility animals, screens to obscure defendant's view, and secure waiting areas.

Establishes that videotaped child testimony may be admitted at trial in lieu of live testimony if the court finds the child would suffer emotional trauma or is otherwise unable to testify in open court.

Takes effect July 1, 2017, and applies to investigations under the Youth Court Act, family court proceedings, and custody proceedings involving allegations of child sexual or physical abuse.