NY S07179

Expands New York's existing closed-circuit television testimony law to include domestic violence victim witnesses, allowing them to testify from a separate testimonial room rather than in the physical presence of the defendant

Defines "domestic violence victim witness" as an individual who is a victim of a family offense as defined in section 530.11 of the criminal procedure law

Requires courts to declare a domestic violence victim witness "vulnerable" before authorizing closed-circuit testimony, based on clear and convincing evidence that testifying without it would cause serious mental or emotional harm

Applies the same procedural requirements used for child witnesses, including factors courts may consider such as heinous conduct, threats of violence, ongoing course of conduct, or expert testimony about susceptibility to psychological harm

Takes effect immediately and applies to both pending and future criminal proceedings