This bill amends existing Louisiana law regarding the videotaped statements of protected persons, specifically enhancing the supervision requirements for such statements. It introduces the term "civilian investigator," defined as a non-certified employee of a law enforcement agency who has completed necessary training, including basic investigative training and specific training on crimes involving protected persons. The bill allows civilian investigators to supervise the taking of a protected person's statement, which can now be offered as competent evidence in court, provided certain conditions are met.

Additionally, the bill specifies that the provisions related to civilian investigators apply only in parishes with populations between 383,000 and 440,000, as determined by the most recent federal census. The amendments to R.S. 15:440.4(A)(5) and Children's Code Articles 323 and 326(A)(7) reflect these changes, allowing for a broader range of professionals to supervise the taking of statements from protected persons, thereby potentially increasing the accessibility and reliability of evidence in cases involving vulnerable individuals.

Statutes affected:
HB189 Engrossed: 15:4(A)(5)
HB189 Enrolled: 15:4(A)(5)
HB189 Act : 15:4(A)(5)