SENATE BILL REPORT

SJR 8231

BYSenators Wojahn, Warnke, Stratton, Sutherland, Vognild, Moore, Rasmussen, Bauer and Patrick

Allowing video testimony of children under ten years of age who are sexual abuse victims.

Senate Committee on Law & Justice

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 1, 1990; February 2, 1990

Majority Report:     Do pass.

     Signed by Senators Nelson, Chairman; McCaslin, Vice Chairman; Hayner, Madsen, Newhouse, Patrick, Rasmussen.

Senate Staff:Anita Neal (786-7418)

                February 8, 1990

AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 7, 1990

BACKGROUND:

An accused person in a criminal prosecution has the right, under the state and federal constitutions, to be confronted by the witnesses against him or her.  A young victim may suffer emotional damage and intimidation when he or she is brought into a courtroom to testify before a judge, jury, and defendant in a criminal prosecution involving sexual contact.

SUMMARY:

The court may order the testimony of a victim to be video taped outside the courtroom and televised live in the courtroom in a criminal prosecution involving sexual contact with a child who is ten years of age or younger.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:   none

Fiscal Note:    none requested

Senate Committee - Testified:   Senator Wojahn, prime sponsor; Angie Vincent; Terri Amhrein; Rhonda Henry; Robin McAlister; Margaret Bell; Gerard Sheehan, ACLU; Vernon Buck