Bill > HB0583

This bill amends Tennessee law regarding the admissibility of video recordings of child forensic interviews in legal proceedings. Specifically, the bill allows video recordings of child victim interviews to be introduced as evidence if two key conditions are met: first, either the child or the forensic interviewer testifies under oath that the video recording is accurate, and second, the child is available for cross-examination. The bill expands the definition of acceptable forensic interviewers to include not only those employed by child advocacy centers meeting certain accreditation standards, but also those employed by federal agencies who conducted interviews as part of a federal crime investigation. The legislation provides some flexibility in the requirements for child advocacy centers, such as allowing centers that are not nonprofit corporations if they are nationally accredited, or centers with executive directors supervised by elected officials. These changes aim to provide more latitude in using forensic interview recordings as evidence while maintaining protections for ensuring the reliability and integrity of the interview process. The bill would take effect immediately upon becoming law.

Justice

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB0583&ga=114