Bill > H2146

This bill establishes a "parent-child testimonial privilege," which means that in most legal proceedings, a parent cannot be forced to testify against their unemancipated minor child, meaning a child who is not legally independent. However, there are exceptions: this privilege does not apply if the child is accused of committing a crime against a family member, and a child can compel their parent to testify if the parent possesses evidence that could prove the child's innocence. For the purposes of this law, "parent" includes a natural, adoptive, or stepparent, as long as that relationship existed when the event in question occurred. This aims to protect family relationships by limiting compelled testimony within them, while still allowing for justice when serious harm is alleged or exculpatory evidence exists.