OK SB161

Modifies 12 O.S. 2001, Section 2803.1 to allow statements by children under 13 years old describing physical abuse or sexual contact to be admissible in criminal and juvenile proceedings.

Allows admissibility when child testifies or is available to testify in court or through alternative testimony methods, or when child is unavailable but prior testimony exists where opposing party had similar motive to develop the witness's testimony, or when the statement was non-testimonial.

Adds new provision allowing child's statements to be admitted at preliminary hearings or prosecutive merit hearings (not trials on the merits) if made to a person qualified to conduct forensic interviews and a recording or summary is provided to opposing party at least five days before hearing.

Defines "person qualified to conduct a forensic interview" as someone completing at least 30 hours of training in non-suggestive interviewing techniques with children.

Effective date: November 1, 2011.