Niemerg's Measure to Protect Abused Children from Testifying in Open Court Heads to the Governor

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Published on May 14 2023 7:25 pm
Last Updated on May 14 2023 7:25 pm
Written by Greg Sapp

State Representative Adam Niemerg (R-Dieterich) announced that his legislation to protect children of abuse from further trauma by allowing them to testify remotely is headed to the governor for his signature. House Bill 2607 will permit children victims under the age of 13 years old to avoid appearing in open court by providing testimony by closed circuit television.

Niemerg said, “Our highest priority should be to protect our children, and especially children who have already been victimized. I appreciate my bill passing unanimously showing that we can all agree that kids should not have to be placed in the same room as their abusers when they give their testimony. I look forward to the Governor signing it into law soon.”

Niemerg points out that they currently make allowances for kids to testify remotely in certain circumstances, but it’s a very difficult process that re-traumatizes the victims. This legislation would make this practice the norm. He adds that the safety and mental well-being of children is paramount.

House Bill 2607 was also supported by the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault (ICASA).