The bill amends section 39.301 of the Florida Statutes to mandate that certain interviews conducted during protective investigations be audio and video recorded. It specifies that recordings are required unless there are specific exceptions, such as equipment malfunctions not due to negligence or unforeseen circumstances preventing access to recording equipment. Additionally, the bill clarifies that individuals charged with criminal offenses related to child abuse or neglect do not have the right to object to an investigator's failure to record these interviews.

Furthermore, the bill states that an investigator's failure to record an interview does not provide grounds for excluding any statements made during the interview from legal proceedings, including criminal or dependency cases. This legislation aims to enhance the integrity of protective investigations while also protecting the admissibility of statements made during interviews. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.