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2016 SESSION

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SB 358 Hearsay exception; admissibility of statements by children in sexual conduct, etc., cases.

Introduced by: Ryan T. McDougle | all patrons    ...    notes | add to my profiles

SUMMARY AS PASSED: (all summaries)

Hearsay; exception; children; certain felonies. Establishes a hearsay exception to certain out-of-court statements made by a child under the age of 13 at the time of trial in cases involving a violation or attempted violation of an "offense against children." The bill contains a list of certain felony sex offenses and certain felony offenses resulting in physical injury that fall within the definition of an "offense against children." The court must hold a hearing prior to trial and find that the time, content, and totality of the circumstances provide sufficient indicia of reliability so as to render such statement inherently trustworthy. The bill provides factors for the court to consider in making such a determination. Notice of intent to offer the statement and the particulars of the statement must be given to the adverse party at least 14 days in advance of the proceedings. This bill incorporates SB 421 and is identical to HB 227.


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