US SB659

Establishes a grant program within the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention to fund state child protective services agencies that require recording of all child welfare interviews with children and adults regarding abuse, neglect, or violence concerns

Eligible states must mandate recordings via electronic audio, body camera video, or other reasonable means, and retain recordings for at least 5 years with secure storage and access controls

Recordings may only be released to those investigating allegations, though caregivers or guardians may obtain copies for judicial proceedings unless a court orders otherwise

Grant funds must be used exclusively for costs directly associated with conducting and retaining recordings of child welfare interviews, including initial family assessment interviews

Program will be funded using existing amounts available to the Director of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, with no new appropriations specified