Senate Bill 51 Summary

• Adds hearsay exception allowing statements from witnesses whose unavailability was wrongfully caused by the defendant to be admitted as evidence in court proceedings.

• Extends statute of limitations for domestic violence-related misdemeanors to 10 years when the crime would require a judge to determine pretrial release conditions.

• Authorizes domestic violence victim witnesses to testify remotely in criminal proceedings without being physically present with the defendant, either by defendant waiver or court order based on emotional distress or communication impairment.

• Requires remote testimony to allow judge, jury, and defendant to observe witness demeanor in real time, with defense counsel physically present at witness location to conduct cross-examination.

• Effective when enacted; hearsay and statute of limitations changes apply to trials beginning after enactment and crimes committed on or after enactment (if statute of limitations has not expired).