MO HB3451

Requires the Missouri Department of Social Services to record all face-to-face interviews with children and adults during child abuse or neglect assessments, using audio or video, unless equipment malfunctions or unforeseeable circumstances prevent recording

Mandates that only department-approved applications or software be used for recordings, with all recordings stored securely

Prohibits persons charged with child abuse or neglect offenses from challenging or objecting to any department failure to comply with recording requirements

Department failure to record does not alone constitute grounds to exclude otherwise admissible child statements from criminal or civil proceedings

Recordings must be retained for at least five years and may only be released to investigators, prosecutors, or caregivers/guardians in connection with judicial proceedings unless a court orders otherwise