Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird has announced plans to introduce a constitutional amendment in the next legislative session that would allow children to testify against their alleged abusers without having to be in the same room. The move comes after the Iowa Supreme Court ruled remote testimony unconstitutional, making Iowa the only state in the country to require in-person testimony from children. Bird argues that some children are not able to face their abusers in court and that this amendment is necessary to ensure justice for all victims and hold criminals accountable.
Constitutional amendments in Iowa require approval from two consecutive general assemblies before being put to voters in the next general election. With a new general assembly starting in January, the earliest this amendment could go on the ballot would be in 2027 if approved by lawmakers and a special election is called. Bird’s proposal seeks to protect vulnerable children and ensure their voices are heard in the justice system.
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