REFUSAL OF CERTAIN PRETRIAL STATEMENTS

HB 204 allows child victims/witnesses (under 18) to refuse pretrial statements or interviews in criminal cases, with no compulsion permitted. Adult victims gain the right to decline such interviews, though parties may seek court-approved written questions if needed for trial preparation - courts must deny irrelevant or duplicative questions. The bill requires defendants to contact victims only through prosecutors, who must inform victims of their refusal rights and protect their privacy. It also mandates victim presence of advocates during interviews and prohibits defendants from commenting on refusal during trial. The bill was referred to committees but postponed indefinitely in June 2025 and has not become law.