An act relating to the evidentiary rules governing proceedings concerning a child who is a victim of an offense involving serious bodily injury

This bill modifies Vermont's court evidence rules to allow certain statements made by child victims of serious crimes to be admitted as evidence during legal proceedings. The change specifically applies to children who have been victims of offenses involving serious bodily injury, such as sexual assault or physical abuse. Under the new rules, these statements could be used in court without the child needing to testify in person, which aims to protect them from the stress of appearing in court. The bill also addresses how confidential records related to these cases may be disclosed during the legal process. This legislation directly impacts prosecutors, defense attorneys, judges, and the families of child victims involved in serious criminal cases.