MADISON, WI — State Senator Jamie Wall issued the following statement after the Wisconsin Assembly passed Senate Bill 884, bipartisan legislation to update how courts consider audiovisual recordings of children’s statements as evidence in criminal proceedings.
“Yesterday we took an important step to protect kids in tough situations,” Senator Wall said. “I’m proud to have authored SB 884 to reduce trauma for child victims of crime.”
Under current law, only recorded statements from children under age 12 are automatically admissible in court. SB 884 allows courts to admit such statements from anyone under age 18, avoiding subjecting kids to repeated, often painful, testimony years after a crime occurred.
This legislation was developed in collaboration with prosecutors, law enforcement, victim-rights advocates, and legal experts, including input from Family Services of Northeast Wisconsin and Brown County District Attorney David Lasee.
Senate Bill 884 now heads to the governor for signature. If signed into law, it will bring Wisconsin in line with modern developmental science and common practice in other states.
For questions or more information about SB 884, please contact Senator Wall’s office.
