The bill amends Section 16-1618 of the Idaho Code to mandate that all interviews of alleged child abuse victims be documented through audio or video recording. This requirement applies to various types of interviews, including safety assessments, investigative interviews, and risk assessment interviews, conducted by law enforcement, the Department of Health and Welfare, or child advocacy centers. The bill clarifies that the lack of such recordings will not affect the admissibility of the evidence in court proceedings.

Additionally, the bill declares an emergency, establishing that it will take effect on July 1, 2026. The changes aim to enhance the documentation process in child abuse cases, ensuring that interviews are properly recorded to support investigations and legal proceedings.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 16-1618