summary
Introduced
02/05/2026
02/05/2026
In Committee
02/17/2026
02/17/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Amends the Child Advocacy Center Act. Provides that Multidisciplinary Team members shall work together, share information, and maintain confidentiality throughout the investigative process. Provides that Multidisciplinary Team members shall coordinate, communicate, and keep nonoffending parents, caregivers, and their families aware of the status of child abuse investigations. Provides that Children's Advocacy Centers shall be (rather than may be) established to coordinate the activities of the various agencies involved in the investigation, prosecution, and treatment of child maltreatment. Provides that every Child Advocacy Center shall include a multidisciplinary systems approach that includes all Multidisciplinary Team members as equal partners in the investigation of child maltreatment. Provides that an investigation into child maltreatment shall include a comprehensive interagency notification procedure for all Multidisciplinary Team partners. Amends the Privacy of Child Victims of Criminal Sexual Offenses Act. Provides that a multidisciplinary team member shall not reveal the identity of any child who is the victim of a criminal sexual offense or is allegedly the victim of a criminal sexual offense in a criminal proceeding or a related investigation, unless permitted by a court order. Amends the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963. Provides that certain exceptions to the hearsay rule shall apply to prosecutions for physical or sexual acts perpetrated upon or against a child or youth who is a victim of trafficking in persons, involuntary servitude, and related offenses. Amends the Bill of Rights for Children. Provides that every child reported to the Department of Children and Family Services to be a victim of a physical act, trafficking in person, involuntary servitude, and related offenses has the right to a forensic interview. Provides that notice of this right must be given by investigative personnel. Amends the Bill of Rights for children. Provides that every child reported to the Department of Children and Family services to be a victim of a physical act, trafficking in persons, involuntary servitude, and related offenses has the right to a forensic interview. Provides that notice of this right must be given by investigation personnel. Makes other changes.
AI Summary
This bill strengthens protections and support for child victims of abuse and trafficking by enhancing the operations of Children's Advocacy Centers (CACs) and clarifying legal procedures. Key provisions include mandating that Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) members, who are professionals from various agencies like law enforcement, child protection, and prosecution, must actively collaborate, share information, and maintain confidentiality throughout investigations, while also keeping non-offending parents and caregivers informed about the investigation's status. The bill also mandates that CACs be established to coordinate these agencies' efforts and that every CAC must incorporate an MDT approach where all members are considered equal partners. Furthermore, it expands exceptions to the hearsay rule in court proceedings to include victims of trafficking and involuntary servitude, ensuring that their statements can be used as evidence. Children reported as victims of certain offenses now have a guaranteed right to a forensic interview, a specialized interview conducted by a trained professional, and investigative personnel must inform them of this right. Finally, the bill clarifies that MDT members cannot reveal the identity of a child victim of a criminal sexual offense in legal proceedings or investigations unless a court orders it, reinforcing the privacy of these vulnerable individuals.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Senate Criminal Law Committee Hearing (14:30:00 3/3/2026 Room 409) (on 03/03/2026)
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