The bill amends section 39.301 of the Florida Statutes to mandate that certain interviews conducted during protective investigations be audio and video recorded. Exceptions to this requirement are provided for situations where recording equipment malfunctions or when unforeseen circumstances prevent the investigator from having the necessary recording equipment available. Additionally, the bill specifies that individuals charged with criminal offenses related to child abuse or neglect do not have the standing to object to an investigator's failure to record such interviews.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies that an investigator's failure to record an interview does not serve as grounds for excluding any statements made during the interview from being admissible in legal proceedings, including criminal or dependency cases. The effective date for this legislation is set for July 1, 2025.