Indigent defendants; right to ex parte hearing for appointment of experts in capital cases. (SB939)

Introduced By

Sen. John Watkins (R-Midlothian)

Progress

Introduced
Passed Committee
Passed House
Passed Senate
Signed by Governor
Became Law

Description

Indigent defendants; right to ex parte hearing for appointment of experts in capital cases. Provides that an indigent defendant who has been charged with a capital offense may move in circuit court for the appointment of experts to assist in the preparation of his defense. The presiding judge shall designate another judge in the judicial circuit who shall hold an ex parte hearing on such a motion and may order the appointment of an expert. Any motion for an ex parte hearing shall be in writing and filed under seal and any ex parte hearing conducted shall be on the record and kept under seal as part of the record of the case. The expert's work product is protected by attorney-client privilege; however, the defendant shall comply with the discovery rules set forth in the Rules of the Supreme Court. Read the Bill »

Outcome

Bill Has Failed

History

DateAction
01/07/2009Prefiled and ordered printed; offered 01/14/09 090276348
01/07/2009Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice
01/13/2009Assigned Courts sub: Criminal
02/02/2009Reported from Courts of Justice with substitute (14-Y 0-N) (see vote tally)
02/02/2009Committee substitute printed 091543348-S1
02/03/2009Constitutional reading dispensed (40-Y 0-N) (see vote tally)
02/04/2009Read second time
02/04/2009Reading of substitute waived
02/04/2009Committee substitute agreed to 091543348-S1
02/04/2009Engrossed by Senate - committee substitute SB939S1
02/05/2009Read third time and passed Senate (39-Y 0-N) (see vote tally)
02/13/2009Placed on Calendar
02/13/2009Read first time
02/13/2009Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice
02/16/2009Assigned Courts sub: Criminal
02/24/2009Left in Courts of Justice