Bill > SB2402

This bill requires the department, which in this context refers to the state agency responsible for child welfare, to make audio or video recordings of all interviews with children conducted by its employees when investigating claims of abuse, dependency, or neglect. There are specific exceptions to this recording requirement, such as when a good-faith belief that recording was occurring was thwarted by a technical issue, or when unforeseen circumstances prevented the recording. Importantly, the bill clarifies that if an interview is not recorded as required, any statements made by the child or other evidence gathered from that interview can still be used in court. The recordings themselves are considered confidential. This legislation aims to enhance transparency and accountability in child abuse investigations by ensuring a record of interviews with vulnerable children.