SB124 Alabama 2023 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Merika ColemanSenator

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2023

Title

Relating to criminal procedure; to amend Section 15-25-3, Code of Alabama 1975, as last amended by Act 2022-201, 2022 Regular Session, to authorize the taking of testimony by closed circuit equipment of victims and witnesses of human trafficking.

Summary

SB124 would allow victims and witnesses of human trafficking to testify via closed-circuit equipment outside the courtroom, regardless of age, similar to existing rules for certain child or protected-person witnesses.

What This Bill Does

It amends Alabama's criminal procedure law to authorize closed-circuit testimony for human trafficking victims and witnesses before trial, on motion by the state or defense. The testimony would be presented outside the courtroom via closed-circuit equipment and heard by the court and finder of fact as if in court. The bill also sets who may be present during testimony, how costs are paid by the state, and rules about competency, examination, and the judge's and attorneys' roles during the proceeding.

Who It Affects

• Victims and witnesses of human trafficking (any age) who may give testimony using closed-circuit equipment outside the courtroom.
• The state and the court system (prosecutors, defense attorneys, courts) who administer the process and cover costs, and who arrange and manage the equipment and proceedings.

Key Provisions

• Authorizes closed-circuit testimony for human trafficking victims and witnesses regardless of age, prior to trial, on motion of the state or defendant.
• Specifies that testimony is viewed/heard outside the courtroom by the court and finder of fact, with examination proceeding as in person, and lists allowed participants in the testimony room.
• Costs of implementing closed-circuit testimony are paid by the state; the district attorney submits bills for approval and payment from the Court Costs Not Otherwise Provided fund.
• Maintains existing competency rules (a child or protected person can testify without prior qualification) and allows the trier of fact to determine weight/credibility; allows leading questions in the interest of justice.
• Outlines procedures for equipment operation, unobtrusive setup, and limited questioning to court personnel (court, prosecutor, defense) during the testimony; video feed remains visible to judge/jury.
• Allows the judge and defendant to communicate with attorneys electronically; permits additional protective or supportive persons in the room if approved by the court.
• If a defendant proceeds without counsel, the court may appoint counsel and may allow counsel to question the victim on behalf of the pro se defendant if emotional harm is likely.
• Effective date: becomes law 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 procedure, victims of human trafficking, authorized to give testimony by closed circuit equipment