Relates to the admissibility of evidence of a victim's sexual conduct, sexual predisposition, or manner of dress

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Linda Rosenthal

Tightens rules on admitting a victim's sexual conduct, predisposition, or dress in trials to curb prejudice, allowing only narrow, court-approved exceptions.

REFERRED TO JUDICIARY

Overview

Bill A 9186, titled “Relates to the admissibility of evidence of a victim's sexual conduct, sexual predisposition, or manner of dress,” is currently in the Judiciary committee. The sponsor listed is Linda Rosenthal (primary). The bill was introduced and referred to the Judiciary on November 3, 2025.

Purpose and scope

The title indicates the bill aims to regulate the admissibility of certain evidence involving a victim in proceedings, specifically:

Sexual conduct
Sexual predisposition
Manner of dress

The underlying intent appears to be to protect victims from prejudicial or irrelevant evidence that could influence a fact-finder’s judgment about the victim’s credibility or the alleged incident, while still allowing relevant evidence under defined exceptions.

Potential key provisions (based on typical content of similar bills)

Note: The exact text is not provided here. The following reflect common elements in bills addressing admissibility of victims’ sexual history and related topics:
- Establish strict rules on when evidence of a victim’s sexual conduct or predisposition may be admitted.
- Create clear definitions for terms such as “sexual conduct,” “sexual predisposition,” and possibly “manner of dress.”
- Limit cross-examination or preclude introduction of prior sexual history unless specific, narrowly defined exceptions apply (e.g., to prove consent in limited circumstances, to address a specific issue directly relevant to the case, or under a court-approved in limine ruling).
- Require court motions or in limine rulings to determine admissibility before testimony or evidence is presented.
- Possibly set out procedures for notice to all parties, including limitations on dissemination of sensitive information.
- Specify standards for balancing probative value against potential prejudice to the victim.

Who/what would be affected

Victims, defendants, and the broader impact on those alleging or defending sexual offenses.

Prosecutors and defense attorneys, who would need to comply with new evidentiary rules.

Courts, which would apply the established standards to rulings on admissibility.

Note: The goal of such provisions, in similar bills, is to reduce victim humiliation and bias while preserving legitimate evidentiary needs.

Procedural status and timeline

Status: Referred to Judiciary (as of November 3, 2025).

Legislative path: After committee review, the bill would require potential committee votes, floor action in the Assembly, and subsequent passage to the Senate (or the corresponding chamber, depending on the jurisdiction) and eventual signing or veto by the executive branch. Specific timelines would depend on the chamber’s schedule and committee processes.

Additional notes

The exact text of A 9186 is not provided here. For a precise understanding of the provisions, exceptions, definitions, and procedural requirements, the bill’s full text and any committee amendments should be consulted.

As introduced, the bill signals a focus on safeguarding victims from prejudicial evidence while maintaining the integrity of legal proceedings.

Bill