Relating to the privacy of a victim of a sex offense in a criminal or civil proceeding

This bill relates to the privacy of a victim of a sex offense in a criminal or civil proceeding. The bill changes the definition of “child” from a child under years of age to a child under years of age.12 (sexual exploitation) shall not be released to the public by any public employee except as authorized by the court prior to the arrest or the filing of an information or indictment, whichever occurs first, despite the child victim attaining the age of 18. The bill also provides that in order to protect the welfare of the child victim, the name of the child and identifying biographical information shall not appear on any other public record including any civil filings arising from the criminal violation, despite the child victim attaining the age of 18. The bill does not apply to the release of information to a defendant or a defendant’s attorney; however, the use or release of this information by the defendant or defendant’s counsel for purposes other than the preparation of defense constitutes contempt. A person who willfully violates the bill or who willfully neglects or refuses to obey a court order made pursuant to this bill commits contempt. A release of information in violation of the bill does not bar prosecution or provide grounds for dismissal of the criminal charges.