HB 674 Summary

• Establishes eligibility criteria for Children's Advocacy Centers to receive state and federal funds, including requirements to maintain multidisciplinary teams, comply with state and national standards, provide forensic interviews and medical evaluations, and conduct community diversity assessments every three years.

• Authorizes multidisciplinary team members to share child maltreatment information subject to state and federal law, with the Chief District Court Judge able to designate local agencies authorized to share information in cases where child protective services is not involved.

• Protects Children's Advocacy Center records from disclosure except to specified entities (law enforcement, prosecutors, health care providers, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services) and requires court orders with in camera inspection for other disclosures.

• Grants immunity from civil and criminal liability to multidisciplinary team members and Children's Advocacy Center staff who participate in good faith in team discussions and information sharing, excluding acts of gross negligence, wanton conduct, or intentional wrongdoing.

• Becomes effective July 1, 2024.