HB283 Alabama 2022 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Merika ColemanSenator

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2022

Title

Criminal procedure, human trafficking, victims and witnesses authorized to give testimony by closed circuit equipment, Sec. 15-25-3 am'd.

Summary

HB283 would let victims and witnesses of human trafficking testify via closed-circuit equipment outside the defendant and jury, regardless of age.

What This Bill Does

The bill amends Section 15-25-3 to authorize closed-circuit testimony for human trafficking victims and witnesses in certain prosecutions, no longer limiting to victims under 16 in sex crimes. If a court approves, the testimony is taken outside the courtroom (in the judge's chambers or another suitable location) and viewed by the judge and finder of fact via closed-circuit equipment. It also sets who may be present in the room, who pays the related costs (the state), and rules about the testimony of child victims, including competence, questioning, and identification provisions.

Who It Affects

• Victims and witnesses of human trafficking (regardless of age) would be able to give testimony via closed-circuit equipment outside the presence of the defendant and jury.
• State and legal participants (the district attorney/Attorney General, prosecuting attorney, the defendant's attorney, and the court) would manage and fund the process, and follow the rules about who may question the witness and who can be present during testimony.

Key Provisions

• Authorization to take testimony by closed-circuit equipment for victims and witnesses of human trafficking, regardless of age, in prosecutions under 15-25-1 and Article 8 of Chapter 6 of Title 13A.
• Testimony, when ordered, shall be taken outside the courtroom (judge's chambers or another suitable location) and presented to the court and trier of fact via closed-circuit equipment.
• For child victims, the process allows participation by relevant parties (prosecuting attorney, defense attorney, a person aiding the victim’s well-being with therapeutic contact, and possibly parents/guardians) and permits the same cross-examination rules; the defendant, judge, and jury remain in the courtroom.
• Costs for making closed-circuit testimony possible are paid by the state; the district attorney submits bills for approval and payment.
• The act includes provisions on competence of child victims, weight/credibility of testimony, and identification procedures (presence in court for identification).
• Effective date: the act takes effect on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Criminal Law and Procedure