The bill amends Section 915.38 of the Iowa Code to enhance the protections for minors and certain vulnerable witnesses during court testimony. It allows a court, upon its own motion or the motion of any party, to order that a minor's testimony be taken in a separate room and televised using two-way closed-circuit equipment for viewing in the courtroom. This measure is intended to prevent trauma that could impair the minor's ability to communicate effectively while testifying in the presence of the defendant. The court must make a specific finding that such measures are necessary, and only authorized individuals will be present with the minor during the testimony. Additionally, the bill clarifies that the minor will be informed that the defendant will not be physically present in the room but will be able to view the testimony through closed-circuit television. The bill also extends the provision for using two-way closed-circuit equipment to victims or witnesses with mental illnesses, intellectual disabilities, or other developmental disabilities, regardless of their age, thereby broadening the scope of protection for vulnerable witnesses in the judicial process.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 915.38