HB 1790 -- Admissibility of Statements of Children

Sponsor:  Torpey

Currently, a hearsay statement of a child under 14 years of age
relating to an offense under Chapter 565, 566, 568, or 573, RSMo,
performed with or on a child by another is admissible as
substantive evidence if the court finds that the statement
provides sufficient indicia of reliability and the child
testifies at the proceedings, is unavailable as a witness, or is
otherwise physically available but the court finds that
significant emotional or psychological trauma would result from
testifying in the presence of the defendant.  This bill removes
the requirement that the offense be performed with or on a child
by another.

Missouri House of Representatives
Last Updated March 19, 2012 at 1:48 pm