Messmer Bill protecting child victims passes House committee

Statehouse- A bill authored by State Sen. Mark Messmer (R-Jasper) that would protect child victims passed the House Committee on Courts and Criminal Code unanimously today.

Senate Bill 331 would build upon legislation Messmer authored in 2020 that required the presence of a prosecuting attorney during the deposition of child sex abuse victims.

Since the implementation of that legislation, however, defense attorneys have sidestepped the law by saying they are not deposing a child victim, but interviewing them.

SB 331 aims to close that loophole and give these victims the protections originally intended in Senate Enrolled Act 206.

"Keeping young Hoosiers safe is a top priority for me as a state senator," Messmer said. "I believe Senate Bill 331 would keep children from any undue harm and am happy to see it receive widespread support by the committee."

SB 331 now moves to the full Indiana House of Representatives for further consideration.

Legislative calendars, agendas, vote tallies, live streams and proposed legislation can be viewed online by visiting iga.in.gov.