The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee heard SB 331 on the deposition of child victims sponsored by Rep. Jeter. The bill redefines the terms “deposition” and “depose” to reference both Indiana Trial Rule 30 and Rule 31 in an effort to protect vulnerable child victims from further traumatization. Rep. Jeter introduced a bill amendment, adopted by consent, that expands the scope of medical professionals who can determine if a child testifying in the presence of the defendant will cause severe emotional distress prohibiting reasonable communication.
The Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council testified in support of the bill, and the Indiana Public Defender Council testified in opposition to the bill. The amended bill passed 12-0.
Read the bill at: https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2023/bills/senate/331