HB 5603

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, the court may order that the testimony of a victim affected by a developmental disability be taken outside the courtroom and shown in the courtroom by means of a closed circuit television under certain conditions. Provides that "developmental disability" includes, but is not limited to, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and autism. Amends the Rights of Crime Victims and Witnesses Act. Provides that the Office of the State's Attorney shall inform the crime victim or witness of his or her right to communications access through a sign language interpreter or by other means. Amends the Criminal Proceeding Interpreter Act. Provides that the right to a qualified court-appointed sign language interpreter as provided in the Act shall be afforded to persons with disabilities who are victims of, or are called as witnesses in proceedings relating to, a violation of any penal statute of the State.