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From Rep. Ashley Hinson’s newsletter:
HF659 adds a new section to our victim’s rights code section 915. This bill allows a minor to give a pretrial interview and or deposition outside of the presence of the defendant. This is in order to protect children who may have to relay troubling information to the court. The defendant will still be able to view the pretrial interview and or deposition and communicate with their attorney. An example of this would be through a closed circuit tv. This is to ensure that the defendant still has a role in the process.
This is a strong addition to protect our youngest victims at what could be a very tough time for them in the justice process. You can watch the debate here.
