Bill > SF66

This bill amends Iowa Code Section 915.38 to enhance protections for minors and certain vulnerable witnesses during court testimonies by explicitly allowing two-way closed-circuit video testimony. The bill expands existing law by specifying that when a court determines a minor under 18 might experience trauma from testifying in the physical presence of a defendant, the testimony can be given in a separate room and transmitted via two-way closed-circuit equipment. The key enhancement is that the two-way system allows both the minor and the defendant to see each other during testimony, which was not explicitly outlined in previous law. The bill maintains the existing safeguards that only essential personnel may be present with the minor during testimony, and requires the judge to inform the minor that the defendant will be viewing the testimony remotely. This modification aims to reduce potential psychological harm to young witnesses while still ensuring the defendant can observe the testimony, thus balancing the rights and wellbeing of all parties involved in the legal proceeding.

Justice

https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=SF66