HB 2077 - DIGEST

     Provides that an out-of-court statement, not otherwise admissible by statute or court rule, made by a person describing an assault, or neglect of the declarant, when the act results in the death of or substantial bodily harm to the declarant, as defined in RCW 9A.04.110, or any sex offense is admissible as evidence in a civil, criminal, or juvenile offense adjudication proceeding if the court finds:  (1) That the declarant, at the time the out-of-court statement was made, was otherwise qualified to be a witness under RCW 5.60.020;

     (2) The declarant is not qualified to be a witness under RCW 5.60.050 or is no longer alive at the time of his or her production for examination;

     (3) There is corroborative evidence of the act against the declarant; and

     (4) In a hearing conducted outside the presence of the jury, if any, that the time, content, and circumstances of the out-of-court statement provide sufficient indicia of reliability.