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, which can then be used as competent evidence in court. This provision is limited to parishes with populations between 383,000 and 440,000, as determined by the most recent federal census.

Additionally, the bill updates the list of authorized supervisors for the taking of a protected person's statement to include civilian investigators alongside other professionals such as physicians, social workers, and law enforcement officers. The amendments to the Children's Code Articles 323 and 326 further clarify the definitions and procedures related to the videotaping of statements from protected persons, ensuring that the necessary supervision is in place to maintain the integrity of the evidence.

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