HB 4626

Abstract

Amends the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963. Provides that in a proceeding in the prosecution of an offense of criminal sexual assault, predatory criminal sexual assault of a child, aggravated criminal sexual assault, criminal sexual abuse, or aggravated criminal sexual abuse, a court may order that the testimony of a victim who is a child under the age of 18 years or a moderately, severely, or profoundly mentally retarded person be taken outside the courtroom and shown in the courtroom by means of a videotape (presently just closed circuit television testimony is permitted). Provides that the parents or prosecuting attorney (presently the judge) must make the determination of whether to permit such out of court testimony. Eliminates exception for defendants who represent themselves pro se.