CS/CS/HB 1043 - Wes Kleinert Fair Interview Act

• Law enforcement, correctional, and public safety officials must make good faith efforts to have a qualified professional or relative/caretaker present during interviews with individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder who are victims, suspects, or defendants.

• Qualified professionals include mental health counselors, behavioral therapists, psychiatrists, psychologists, or related professionals with experience treating autism spectrum disorder.

• Expenses for qualified professional attendance are borne by the individual with autism or their parent/guardian; if the individual is a victim, the convicted defendant must reimburse these expenses as part of restitution.

• Failure to have a qualified professional or caretaker present cannot be used as grounds for suppressing statements, interview contents, or filing lawsuits against officers or agencies.

• All agencies employing law enforcement and correctional officers must develop policies and procedures and provide training to implement these requirements, effective July 1, 2016.