HB 406 -- CHILD WITNESSES

CO-SPONSORS:  Johnson (90), Harris (110), Bringer, Jolly, Kelly
(36), Willoughby

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Judiciary
by a vote of 18 to 0.

Under current law, certain statements made by children under the
age of 12 relating to offenses pursuant to Chapter 565, RSMo
(Offenses Against the Person); Chapter 566 (Sexual Offenses); and
Chapter 568 (Offenses Against the Family) are admissible into
evidence in criminal proceedings in certain situations.  This
bill changes the age limitation to 14 years.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the age limit for admissibility
of children's statements should be raised to be the same as the
age limit in child molestation laws.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Johnson (90); and
Robert Wilkins, Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Julie Jinkens McNitt, Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
Last Updated July 25, 2003 at 10:11 am