HJR 16 Modifies the Constitution to allow for propensity evidence in prosecutions for crimes of a sexual nature involving a victim under the age of sixteen

     Handler: Schaaf

Current Bill Summary

- Prepared by Senate Research -


SCS/HJR 16 - Upon voter approval, this constitutional amendment would allow, in prosecutions for crimes of a sexual nature involving a victim under eighteen years of age, relevant evidence of prior criminal acts, whether charged or uncharged, to be admissible for the purpose of corroborating the victim's testimony or demonstrating the defendant's propensity to commit the crime with which he or she is presently charged. Also, courts would be able to exclude such evidence if its probative value is substantially outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice.

This act is identical to SJR 15 (2013) and is similar to SJR 40 (2012) and SJR 33 (2010).

MEGHAN LUECKE


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