FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Lance Gideon, Press Secretary
Lance.Gideon@iga.in.gov
317-234-9221
STATEHOUSE (Feb. 7, 2023) — A bill authored by State Sen. Mark Messmer (R-Jasper) that would further protect child victims unanimously passed the Senate Monday.
Senate Bill 331 looks to build on existing law. In 2020, Messmer authored legislation requiring the presence of a prosecuting attorney during the deposition of a child sex abuse victim.
Since its implementation, defense attorneys have been sidestepping the law by saying they are not deposing the child victim, but merely interviewing them.
SB 331 would close that loophole and give child victims the protections legally intended in Senate Enrolled Act 206.
"Protecting young Hoosiers is one of my top priorities as a senator," Messmer said. "I believe Senate Bill 331 will help keep children safe and am happy to see its unanimous support by the Indiana Senate."
SB 331 now moves to the 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.
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State Sen. Mark Messmer (R-Jasper) represents Senate District 48, which
includes Crawford, Dubois, Gibson, Perry, Pike and Spencer counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
