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House Bill 2607 was introduced by state Rep. Adam Niemerg, R-Dieterich,
and states a child under 13 years of age shall testify outside
the courtroom when warranted, though testimony would be provided
through closed circuit TV.
Niemerg told The Center Square that the law is about protecting
children.
"The gist of it is that it's to help children who are victims of
sexual assault and to give them better opportunities to have
their voices heard in a court of law," Niemerg said.
The
measure received little pushback during legislative debates.
Niemerg said that he and other legislators felt the need to get
this measure into law.
"This needed change," Niemerg said. "I have had wide support
from the entire legislature to do this. I had tremendous
support."
Niemerg went on to say that this law is something he can look
back on and be proud of the change it has made.
"I'm not done yet, but I can look back and say that this was
something that was very important," Niemerg said. "This was
something that helped a lot of people."
The provisions in the measure can only be removed if the
defendant proves the child will not suffer emotional distress by
providing testimony in the courtroom.
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