WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 884

Relating to: an audiovisual recording of a child’s statement admitted as evidence.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by André Jacque and 1 co-sponsor

Wisconsin allows audiovisual recordings of children's statements as courtroom evidence, potentially protecting minors from trauma while raising constitutional cross-examination concerns.

Published 4-10-2026
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 884

Legislative bill overview

SB 884 allows audiovisual recordings of children's statements to be admitted as evidence in legal proceedings, likely modifying Wisconsin's rules on how child testimony can be presented in court. The bill has progressed through both chambers of the legislature and reached the Governor's desk in April 2026.

Why is this important

Child testimony in abuse, exploitation, or custody cases is often critical evidence, but traditional in-court testimony can be traumatic or unreliable. Allowing recorded statements may protect children from repeated questioning, reduce procedural delays, and potentially preserve more accurate accounts of events when memories are fresher.

Potential points of contention

  • Confrontation clause concerns: Defense attorneys may argue that recorded statements without cross-examination violate a defendant's constitutional right to confront witnesses, a longstanding legal issue in criminal cases
  • Reliability and accuracy questions: Critics may question whether recorded statements adequately capture context, body language, and the reliability of children's recollections compared to in-court testimony under oath
  • Scope and safeguards unclear: The bill's specific requirements for when recordings are admissible, who conducts the interview, and what procedural protections exist remain undefined without seeing the full legislative text

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

Sign in to ask a question.