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Subcommittee pauses bill on allowing support persons at closed 'shield' hearings after procedural concerns
Summary
HB 1839, which would let judges allow an additional support person to remain in closed evidentiary 'shield' proceedings for complaining witnesses, drew testimony from prosecutors, a senior assistant attorney general and a survivor but was set aside for the day so sponsors and counsel can work through notice and procedural concerns.
Delegate Oates presented HB 1839 to allow judges discretion to permit one additional person to remain in closed evidentiary “shield” hearings supporting the complaining witness. The sponsor said the proposal responds to trauma‑informed practices and aims to reduce re‑traumatization when victims testify.
Committee members questioned whether judges would be able to assess whether a chosen support person was appropriate, noting risk that an apparent supporter could exert undue influence over a victim. Delegate Delaney asked whether a judge is qualified to…
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