WV HB3338

Expands the definition of "child witness" to include any person under age 16 who will testify in criminal matters involving any alleged code violation, allowing testimony via live closed-circuit television

Adds "psychological abuse" to the list of factors courts must consider when determining whether to allow a child witness to testify remotely, alongside existing factors of physical and sexual abuse

Requires courts to find by clear and convincing evidence that the child cannot testify due solely to being in the defendant's physical presence before permitting closed-circuit television testimony

Mandates appointment of a psychiatrist or licensed psychologist with at least 5 years clinical experience to provide expert opinion on whether the child will suffer severe emotional harm from in-person testimony

Takes effect July 10, 2025 (90 days after passage on April 11, 2025)