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Ref to the Com on Judiciary 2, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House2025-03-26

Vote Breakdown

No floor votes recorded.

Plain Language Summary

Kayla's Act makes three main changes to North Carolina domestic violence law: it allows courts to admit statements from witnesses who are unavailable because a defendant caused that unavailability; it extends the statute of limitations for certain domestic violence misdemeanors to 10 years; and it permits domestic violence victims to testify remotely (outside the defendant's physical presence) in criminal proceedings if the defendant doesn't object or if the court finds the victim would suffer serious emotional distress from testifying in person.

Arguments in Favor

• •Supporters argue this bill protects domestic violence victims from intimidation and trauma.
• •Allowing remote testimony lets victims testify safely without facing their abuser in court, which may increase victim participation in prosecutions.
• •The extended statute of limitations and hearsay exception help hold offenders accountable even when victims become unavailable due to intimidation, disappearance, or fear—a common pattern in domestic violence cases.

Arguments Against

• •Opponents may argue that remote testimony without defendant objection could limit the defendant's constitutional right to confront witnesses, as the defendant loses the ability to observe the witness in person.
• •Some may contend that the hearsay exception for statements from unavailable witnesses could allow evidence into trial without full cross-examination opportunity.
• •Defense advocates might worry the 10-year statute of limitations extends prosecution time beyond what fairness requires for older misdemeanor cases.