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 specific training related to investigating crimes involving protected persons. The bill allows civilian investigators to supervise the taking of a protected person's statement, alongside previously authorized professionals such as physicians, social workers, and law enforcement officers.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that the provisions regarding civilian investigators' ability to render videotapes as competent evidence apply only in parishes with populations between 383,000 and 440,000, as determined by the most recent federal census. This legislative change aims to broaden the scope of individuals who can supervise the recording of statements from protected persons, thereby potentially increasing the accessibility and efficiency of the investigative process in certain jurisdictions.

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