HOUSE BILL NO. 78                                                            
                                                                               
       "An  Act  relating  to  the  testimony of  children  in                 
       certain  criminal  proceedings;  and  providing for  an                 
       effective date."                                                        
                                                                               
  Co-Chair MacLean submitted a request to waive HB 78 from the                 
                                                                               
  House Finance Committee.   Co-Chair Larson noted  that HB 78                 
  relates to the  testimony of children.  He stated that HB 78                 
  is accompanied by a zero fiscal note and is supported by the                 
  Department of Law.  He observed that, "under current law, in                 
  a criminal proceeding  involving a child victim  or witness,                 
  the court can order that the testimony of the child be taken                 
  by closed circuit  television or through one-way  mirrors if                 
  it determines that the child's  testimony under normal court                 
  procedures  would  result  in   the  child's  inability   to                 
  effectively communicate."   House  Bill 78  would allow  the                 
  court to extend those  privileges to children to the  age of                 
                                                                               
                                7                                              
                                                                               
                                                                               
  16, up from the current age of 13.                                           
                                                                               
  Co-Chair Larson informed  members of his intention  to waive                 
  HB 78 if there are no objections from members.  Members were                 
  informed to contact his  office if they objected to  waiving                 
  HB 78.