New York S00970 allows child witnesses to testify via closed-circuit television in assault and child welfare cases.

New York S00970 amends the criminal procedure law to allow child witnesses in assault and child welfare cases to testify via closed-circuit television. This aims to protect vulnerable children from the trauma of in-person testimony. The bill defines "child witness" as someone fourteen years old or less testifying in such cases. It also ensures that a child's failure to testify or undergo psychological exams cannot be used against them. The changes apply immediately to proceedings after the bill's effective date.

New York S00970 allows child witnesses to testify via closed-circuit television in assault and child welfare cases.

New York S00970 amends the criminal procedure law to allow child witnesses in assault and child welfare cases to testify via closed-circuit television. This aims to protect vulnerable children from the trauma of in-person testimony. The bill defines "child witness" as someone fourteen years old or less testifying in such cases. It also ensures that a child's failure to testify or undergo psychological exams cannot be used against them. The changes apply immediately to proceedings after the bill's effective date.