Out of all 50 states in the U.S., Iowa is the only one that does not offer closed-circuit testimony for kids and adults with disabilities.
DES MOINES, Iowa — Thursday, Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird released a plan to push for a state constitutional amendment to allow children and individuals with disabilities to testify via closed-circuit video.
Out of all 50 states in the United States, Iowa is the only one that does not offer closed-circuit testimony for kids and adults with disabilities.
Several officials are joining Bird’s cause, including attorneys who represent children who have been abused or sexually assaulted, child therapists and victims.
Brittany Souder spoke about her experience being subpoenaed to testify against a man who sex trafficked her at the age of 15. She said if she was given the option of a closed-circuit testimony the outcome of her case could have gone differently.
“The same fear that he instilled in me to keep me silent while …