The proposed bill would amend current statutes by introducing a requirement that, within 72 hours of receiving a sexual abuse allegation, a trained forensic interviewer must conduct a forensic interview with the child involved, unless the Department of Child Safety (DCS) can demonstrate good cause for delaying the interview. This new requirement is aimed at ensuring timely and thorough investigations of sexual abuse allegations against children. The bill also defines "sexual abuse" to include various offenses such as sexual conduct with a minor, sexual assault, and child sex trafficking, among others.

Additionally, the bill specifies the conditions under which the 72-hour interview requirement may be waived, including situations where the child is receiving inpatient care, is not physically present in the state, or if the child's parent or guardian is unresponsive. Furthermore, it clarifies that failure to meet the interview requirement does not impact the admissibility of evidence or statements made by the child in legal proceedings. Overall, these updates aim to enhance the protocols for child abuse and neglect investigations while ensuring the protection of children's rights in legal contexts.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 8-817
Senate Engrossed Version: 8-817