Signed by Governor Brian Sandoval

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that authorizes a court of law to admit hearsay as evidence in certain preliminary proceedings.

Highlights:

• Authorizes a court of law to admit hearsay as evidence during a preliminary examination or before a grand jury if the defendant is charged with one or more of the following felony offenses (Secs.1 & 5):
• An act which constitutes a sexual offense against an individual who is under 16 years old;
• An act which constitutes abuse of an individual who is under 16 years old; or
• An act which constitutes domestic violence that caused substantial harm to the alleged victim.

• Requires a magistrate to allow a witness to testify at a preliminary hearing, or before a grand jury, via audiovisual technology if the witness resides more than 100 miles away from where the proceeding takes place, or if a good cause otherwise exists (Secs. 3 & 7).

Full Bill Text