Bill
HB 5912
Overview: HB 5912, "AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- PROCEDURE GENERALLY -- EVIDENCE", was introduced on January 22, 2025 and is currently being held for further st
Overview: HB 5912, "AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- PROCEDURE GENERALLY -- EVIDENCE", was introduced on January 22, 2025 and is currently being held for further study by a committee.
Purpose and Intent: The bill aims to modify the state's rules of evidence to allow for the admission of certain types of hearsay testimony in civil and criminal proceedings.
Key Provisions:
- Allows for the admission of hearsay statements made by a declarant who is unavailable to testify, if the statement is deemed reliable and relevant
- Expands the "excited utterance" exception to the hearsay rule to include statements made under the stress of excitement from a startling event
- Permits the admission of statements made for the purpose of medical diagnosis or treatment, even if the declarant is unavailable
Affected Parties and Impacts: The bill would impact civil and criminal court proceedings, allowing for the expanded use of hearsay evidence. This could benefit prosecutors, plaintiffs, and defendants by enabling the introduction of relevant testimony that was previously excluded.
Procedural and Timeline Considerations: The bill is currently being held for further study by a legislative committee. Its next steps would be additional committee review, potential amendments, and a vote by the full legislature before being sent to the governor for signature or veto.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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