Senate Bill 274, introduced in the Maryland Legislature on March 3, 2025, aims to enhance the legal protections for child victims during court proceedings. The bill proposes the use of closed circuit television for child victims to provide testimony while ensuring their safety and comfort in a courtroom setting.

Key provisions of the bill stipulate that during a child's testimony, both the court and the defendant or child respondent must be present in the courtroom. However, communication with the child victim can occur through appropriate electronic methods, allowing for a more secure environment. The bill also limits the number of attorneys who can question the child victim, ensuring that only one attorney per party and the court may engage with the child during juvenile delinquency or criminal proceedings, as well as in cases involving children in need of assistance.

Notably, the bill includes a provision that allows for the simultaneous presence of the child victim and the defendant or child respondent in the courtroom when identification is required. However, it explicitly prohibits any procedure that would allow the child victim to see or hear the defendant or child respondent during their testimony, aiming to minimize potential trauma.

The introduction of Senate Bill 274 has sparked discussions among lawmakers and advocacy groups. Proponents argue that the bill is a crucial step in protecting vulnerable child victims from the stress of courtroom confrontations, while opponents raise concerns about the implications of remote testimony on the defendant's right to a fair trial.

The bill is expected to have significant social implications, as it seeks to create a more supportive environment for child victims, potentially encouraging more children to come forward and testify in cases of abuse or neglect. If passed, the bill will take effect on October 1, 2025, marking a pivotal change in how Maryland courts handle cases involving child victims.