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 include situations where recording equipment malfunctions, provided the malfunction is not due to negligence in maintenance, or if unforeseen circumstances prevent the investigator from having the necessary recording equipment available.

Additionally, the bill stipulates 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 an interview. Furthermore, such a failure to record will not serve as grounds to exclude any statements made during the interview from being admissible in legal proceedings, including criminal or dependency cases. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.