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SF 66

A bill for an act relating to testimony by certain witnesses by two-way closed-circuit equipment.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Liz Bennett and 14 co-sponsors

SF 66 lets courts shield minors (up to 18) by testifying via two-way closed-circuit TV from outside the courtroom, reducing trauma while the defendant observes remotely.

Subcommittee: Bousselot, Petersen, and Schultz.
#courts #criminalprocedure #defendants #minors #video #witnesses
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Bill Summary · SF 66

Summary of SF 66 — Testimony by Minors via Two-Way Closed-Circuit Equipment

Purpose and intent

SF 66 would allow a court to protect minors from trauma during testimony by permitting, on its own motion or at the request of any party, that a minor (defined as someone up to 18 years old) testify from a location outside the courtroom and have that testimony televised to the courtroom using two-way closed-circuit equipment. The aim is to reduce trauma that could impair the minor’s ability to communicate when testifying in the physical presence of the defendant.

Key provisions and changes

  • Amendments to Section 915.38, subsection 1, paragraph a, to authorize a court to order out-of-court testimony via two-way closed-circuit television when testifying in the defendant’s physical presence would cause trauma to the minor and impair communication.
  • Such an order requires a specific finding by the court that the protective measures are necessary for the minor’s welfare.
  • Limitations on presence in the room with the minor during testimony:
    • In the courtroom, only the judge, the prosecuting attorney, the defendant’s attorney, operators of the equipment, and others whose presence would contribute to the minor’s welfare may be present.
    • The minor’s testimony is taken in a separate room and televised for viewing in the courtroom.
  • The judge must inform the minor that:
    • The defendant will not be present in the room where the minor testifies.
    • The defendant will be viewing the testimony via closed-circuit television.
    • The minor will be able to view the defendant while testifying.
  • The bill uses the term “minor up to 18 years of age” (consistent with the definition in section 599.1).
  • Current law does not expressly authorize this closed-circuit arrangement; this bill would specify and authorize the mechanism.

Who is affected

  • Minor witnesses (up to age 18) who might be traumatized by testifying in the same room as the defendant.
  • Defendants, attorneys, and court personnel involved in trials where a minor testifies.
  • Court systems and prosecutors, who may need to arrange and manage two-way video equipment and security/operational considerations.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced: January 16, 2025.
  • Subcommittee action: January 23, 2025 (Bousselot, Petersen, Schultz).
  • Status: Subcommittee stage; the bill would move through Judiciary and related committees as applicable.

Sponsors

A broad group of primary sponsors including KNOX, WEINER, PETERSEN, BLAKE, STAED, WINCKLER, BENNETT, WAHLS, TOWNSEND, BISIGNANO, DOTZLER, CELSI, TRONE GARRIOTT, QUIRMBACH, and DONAHUE.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Enhances minor protection and reduces trauma risk during testimony.
  • May affect courtroom dynamics, including cross-examination logistics and technology requirements.
  • Could involve cost considerations for equipment, staffing, and security.
  • Ensures transparency to the minor about defendant’s appearance via TV while preserving a barrier between the minor and the defendant’s physical presence.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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