Senate Bill 307 Summary

• Permits forensic and chemical analysts to testify remotely in real time in district court proceedings using two-way audio and video technology that allows the defendant, judge, and attorneys to observe demeanor.

• Allows chain of custody witnesses for forensic and chemical evidence to provide remote testimony in district court if the State provides notice at least 15 business days before the proceeding.

• Requires defendants to file written objections at least 5 business days before trial to prevent remote testimony; failure to object constitutes a waiver of the right to in-person testimony.

• Preserves defendants' rights to call any witness and cross-examine remote witnesses, and does not affect admissibility standards in superior court or trial de novo proceedings.

• Becomes effective immediately upon enactment and applies to criminal proceedings, administrative hearings, and juvenile court adjudications beginning on or after the date of passage.