Bill to limit repeated trials for misdemeanor victims advances to further review
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Summary
HB 15‑47 would require defendants to elect a jury appeal early for certain misdemeanors to avoid victims testifying twice; sponsors cite trauma and fairness, opponents cite cost and court logistics; committee voted interim study to collect implementation data.
CONCORD — The committee heard competing views on HB 15‑47, a bill that would require defendants to make an early, knowing election to appeal for a jury trial in certain misdemeanor cases — an expansion of a rule recently adopted for juvenile‑victim crimes.
Sponsor Representative Eric Johnson said the bill would spare victims from repeatedly testifying, arguing the existing de novo appeals process can retraumatize witnesses and drag cases out for years. "This bill builds on bipartisan reform and extends the same basic protections to misdemeanor victims of all ages," Johnson said.
Supporters and victims who testified described long runs of repeated litigation and emotional harm. Opponents including members with criminal defense experience warned that the early election could lead counsel to rarely advise waiver of a jury right and could shift substantial numbers of cases from circuit to superior court, creating an unpredictable fiscal impact. The judicial branch’s fiscal note warned costs could exceed $500,000 depending on jury trial numbers.
After discussion the committee voted for an interim study to review data from the recent change affecting juvenile victims and to collect case counts by offense and victim age before deciding on statutory changes.