WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

PS 136

Para crear la “Ley de Entrevista Forense Grabada”; y para enmendar la Regla 131.1 de las de Procedimiento Criminal de 1963, según enmendadas, con el propósito de establecer como política pública del Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico el uso de entrevistas forenses grabadas en las etapas investigativas y preliminares al juicio cuando exista alegaciones sobre maltrato o abuso sexual contra menores de edad; evitar la revictimización de las víctimas; y para otros fines relacionados.

2025-2028 Session

Puerto Rico mandates video recording of child abuse victim forensic interviews to reduce re-traumatization and create objective evidence for prosecution and defense review.

Comisión no recomienda aprobación de la medida
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · PS 136

Legislative bill overview

Bill PS 136 creates the "Recorded Forensic Interview Law" and amends Criminal Procedure Rules 131.1 to establish mandatory video recording of forensic interviews with child victims of abuse or sexual assault during investigative and preliminary trial stages. The law aims to reduce victim re-traumatization by limiting the number of times children must recount their experiences to different officials.

Why is this important

Child abuse investigations currently may require victims to repeat their accounts multiple times across police, prosecutors, and courts, which research shows can compound psychological harm and reduce testimony reliability. Video-recorded interviews create a permanent, objective record that can be reviewed by all parties, potentially strengthening cases while protecting vulnerable witnesses from repeated questioning.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs and logistics: Recording equipment, training, secure storage systems, and technical infrastructure requirements may strain already-limited investigative resources in Puerto Rico's criminal justice system
  • Defense rights concerns: Defense attorneys may argue that recorded interviews limit their ability to directly question witnesses or that selective editing/presentation could prejudice proceedings; questions about access and admissibility protocols
  • Training and standardization: Ensuring forensic interviewers follow trauma-informed protocols uniformly across all municipalities requires significant training investment and quality control mechanisms

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

Sign in to ask a question.