Assembly Bill 912 proposes amendments to the statutes regarding the admissibility of audiovisual recordings of children's statements in legal proceedings. Currently, such recordings can be admitted as evidence if the trial or hearing begins before the child turns 12 or, if the child is between 12 and 16, if the interests of justice warrant it. The bill seeks to extend this age limit, allowing recordings made before a child's 18th birthday to be considered for admission, provided the interests of justice are served.

The bill also modifies the criteria for determining the admissibility of these recordings. Specifically, it changes the age threshold from 16 to 18 years for children whose statements can be considered under the same conditions. Additionally, the court or hearing examiner is required to evaluate the same factors as before, but now for children aged 12 to 18, ensuring that the interests of justice are adequately assessed in each case.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 908.08(3)(a)(intro.), 908.08, 908.08(3)(a)2, 908.08(4)(intro.)