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SB 2402

Children's Services, Dept. of - As introduced, requires the department to record, by audio recording or video recording, all interviews of children conducted by department employees as part of the department's investigation of claims of abuse or dependency and neglect. - Amends TCA Title 10, Chapter 7, Part 5; Title 24; Title 37 and Title 38.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026)

Tennessee mandates Department of Children's Services to audio/video record all child interviews during abuse and neglect investigations.

Rcvd. from S., held on H. desk.
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Bill Summary · SB 2402

Legislative bill overview

SB 2402 mandates that the Tennessee Department of Children's Services record all interviews with children during abuse, neglect, or dependency investigations using audio or video. The bill passed the Senate unanimously on March 23, 2026, and is now pending House consideration after being held on the House desk.

Why is this important

Recording child interviews creates objective documentation that can improve investigation accuracy, protect children from inconsistent questioning, and provide evidence for legal proceedings. It also creates an audit trail that protects both children and investigators from claims of procedural impropriety, which has been a concern in high-profile child welfare cases nationally.

Potential points of contention

  • Privacy concerns: Recorded interviews of vulnerable children raise questions about data security, who can access recordings, and whether recordings could be shared with defendants or appear in court proceedings
  • Implementation costs and logistics: Audio/video recording equipment, secure storage systems, transcription services, and staff training represent significant budget requirements that may strain agency resources
  • Investigative effectiveness: Some argue that recording may inhibit children's willingness to disclose trauma or change how investigators conduct interviews; concerns exist about whether the requirement could slow investigations or create technical barriers in field settings

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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