Bill > SF4345

This bill, known as the Jay Boughton Minor Protection Evidence Access Act, aims to enhance the protection of sensitive evidence, particularly concerning minors, within the court system. It clarifies that certain inactive criminal investigative data, specifically images and recordings that are "clearly offensive to common sensibilities" (meaning they are shocking or disturbing to the average person), will be classified as private or nonpublic even if they were previously presented as evidence in court, though their existence must still be disclosed. Furthermore, the bill mandates that prosecuting authorities must actively seek protective orders from the court to prevent the unnecessary public disclosure of evidence that is offensive to common sensibilities and could cause significant disruption or severe emotional distress to a victim or a third party, with special consideration given to minors. This requirement extends to audio recordings of 911 calls made by minor victims or their family members, and video footage captured by law enforcement (like body cameras or dashcams) that shows a minor victim or their family member. Importantly, these provisions do not prevent defendants from accessing evidence as required by law, but a protective order may restrict their ability to further share that evidence.