Senator Saland’s Legislation Passes The Senate To Allow Child Witnesses In Cases Involving Sex Crimes To Testify Via Closed Circuit Television

Senator Steve Saland (R,C Poughkeepsie) today announced that his legislation (S.5280) to extend the provisions of law that allow children to testify via closed circuit television in cases involving sex crimes from September 1, 2005 to September 1, 2007 has passed the Senate.

This law recognizes that young children may suffer mental or emotional harm if they are required to provide the court with incriminating testimony in the presence of the defendant. Courts are presented with a list of factors to consider to determine whether or not a specific child shall be declared vulnerable and allowed to testify by the use of closed circuit television.

"It is imperative that we extend this protection beyond September 1, 2005," said Senator Saland. "We never want to see these already victimized children exposed to further pain and suffering."