States could get federal money to record child welfare interviews. They would have to keep the recordings for at least five years and limit who can see them. The money would come from existing federal child welfare funds from 2026 through 2031.
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GRACIE Act of 2026 is a House bill in committee. The latest recorded action: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
Latest action on H.R. 8245: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
Who this affects: This bill mainly affects state child protective services agencies and the families involved in child welfare interviews. Agencies would need recording tools, secure storage, access rules, and staff procedures. Children, parents, caregivers, and guardians could have sensitive interviews recorded and stored for years. Courts, prosecutors, and investigators could use the recordings in related cases.
Why this matters: Child welfare interviews can shape major decisions about a child and family, and this bill would create a clearer record of what was said. Recordings may help settle disputes about an interview, support court cases, and let agencies review their own work. At the same time, the recordings would contain private details about children and families. The bill tries to limit access, but the real effect would depend on how states build and enforce their systems.
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