SB 708

Abstract

Amends the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963. Provides that a statement of a witness is not excluded at the trial or hearing of any defendant by the hearsay rule or as a violation of any right to confront witnesses if the witness was killed, bribed, kidnapped, secreted, intimidated, or otherwise induced by a party, or one for whose conduct such party is legally responsible, to prevent the witness from being available to testify at such trial or hearing. Provides that the party seeking to introduce the statement shall disclose the statement sufficiently in advance of trial or hearing to provide the opposing party with a fair opportunity to meet it. Provides that the disclosure shall include notice of an intent to offer the statement, including the identity of the declarant. Provides that prior to ruling on the admissibility of a statement under this provision, the court shall conduct a hearing outside the presence of the jury. Provides that except in cases where a preponderance of the evidence establishes that the defendant killed the declarant, the party seeking to introduce the statement shall be required to show by a preponderance of the evidence that the party who caused the unavailability of the witness did so with the intent or motive that the witness be unavailable for trial or hearing. Provides that the court is not required to find that the conduct or wrongdoing amounts to a criminal act. Provides that nothing in this provision shall be construed to prevent the admissibility of statements under existing hearsay exceptions. Effective immediately.