Senate Bill 448 proposes an amendment to the statutes regarding the use of videoconferencing technology in certain civil actions, specifically addressing the rights of respondents in involuntary commitment and protective placement proceedings. Under current law, defendants and respondents are entitled to be physically present during their trials and related hearings. If they object to the use of videoconferencing in proceedings where they have a right to attend in person, the court must sustain that objection. However, the bill introduces a new exception that allows the court to exercise discretion regarding objections to expert witness testimony delivered via videoconference technology, even if the respondent is entitled to be present in person.

The specific legal language changes include the deletion of the phrase "If" at the beginning of the relevant section and the insertion of new language that clarifies the court's discretion in handling objections related to expert witness testimony in matters under chapters 51 or 55. This amendment aims to streamline the process for handling expert testimony in certain civil actions while still respecting the rights of respondents.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 885.60(2)(d), 885.60