Forensic interviews; prohibit any person accused of child abuse from being present during.

HB 523 bans anyone accused of child abuse - including parents or guardians - from being present during forensic interviews of children in abuse investigations. This ensures interviews occur without potential intimidation, directly affecting children reporting abuse and the accused individuals. The bill also updates Mississippi's youth court record disclosure rules but focuses primarily on excluding accused persons during interviews. The bill died in committee in February 2026.