Senators consider bill to limit child depositions

Children questioned as witnesses in criminal court cases would be given additional consideration under a bill discussed by lawmakers Jan. 23 and 25.

Under LB589, introduced by Bellevue Sen. Sue Crawford, no deposition of a child would be granted if a video-recorded forensic interview already has been conducted by an accredited child advocacy center, unless the deposition would aid in the disclosure of evidence vital to a defendant’s case.

Crawford said the bill is the next step in the process to protect victims of sexual abuse, trafficking and molestation, while also preserving the due process rights of the accused.

“A child is more susceptible to traumatic revictimization, especially if a deposition is conducted several months after the forensic interview,” she said. “It is critical we take action to prevent the revictimization of vulnerable children.”