Committee considers video recordings of depositions for elderly and disabled witnesses in criminal cases

Senators heard House Bill 2,348, a measure that would authorize video recording of depositions for elderly or disabled witnesses in criminal cases to preserve tone, demeanor and nonverbal evidence. Sponsor Sen. Hagenboo said the bill responds to practical challenges such witnesses face when appearing in court.

Alicia Patterson, chief elder-abuse prosecutor in the Dallas County District Attorney's Office, testified in support, saying the change would let "elderly and disabled individuals... have their voice heard in court, even if they can't physically be present in the courtroom, and this bill simply allows them to both be seen and heard." Patterson said rules of evidence would still govern the deposition and the recording operator would need to be able to authenticate the video in court.

The committee had no invited opposition registered; the chair closed public testimony and left the bill pending for future committee action.