Establishes provisions that require any face-to-face interview regarding child abuse or neglect to be recorded

HB 3451 requires all in-person interviews conducted by the Department of Social Services regarding child abuse or neglect to be recorded via audio or video, unless equipment fails or unforeseen circumstances prevent it. The bill mandates secure storage of recordings for at least five years using department-approved methods, restricts access to investigators, prosecutors, or caregivers in court, and prevents defendants from objecting to recording failures in legal proceedings. It ensures recorded statements remain admissible in court even if the department misses the recording requirement. The law directly affects social services workers, child welfare investigators, and legal proceedings involving child abuse allegations.