Evidence - As enacted, permits the introduction into evidence of a video recording of a child victim being interviewed by a forensic interviewer regarding sexual or physically violent contact with the child if the forensic interviewer confirms the accuracy of the recording and the child is available for cross examination; makes other changes relative to forensic interviews. - Amends TCA Title 24, Chapter 7.
SB 304 allows video recordings of children's interviews with forensic interviewers to be used as evidence in court for cases involving sexual or physical violence against children. The bill requires either the child or the forensic interviewer to swear under oath that the recording is accurate, and the child must be available for cross-examination. It also clarifies that interviews conducted by qualified professionals - such as those employed by accredited child advocacy centers or federal agencies - meet admissibility standards. This change directly affects child victims in criminal cases, streamlining evidence presentation while maintaining judicial safeguards.
Bill status
signed
all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Feb 2025
Senate Passage
Apr 2025
House Passage
Apr 2025
Signed into Law
Apr 2025
Introduced Feb 10, 2025
Signed Apr 11, 2025
Floor votes · Senate Mar 3, 2025 · House Mar 31, 2025
How they voted
37–0
Passed
Total votes 37
Mar 3, 2025
D
Democratic6
100% Yea
R
Republican31
100% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea
All Nay
Mixed
No data
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
21
Key actions
8
Committee
3
Amendments
1
Apr 11, 2025
Signed into law
Signed by Governor.
lower
Apr 2, 2025
Upper · Passed
Signed by Senate Speaker
upper
Apr 2, 2025
Lower · Passed
Signed by H. Speaker
lower
Mar 31, 2025
Amended
Am. withdrawn. (Amendment 1 - HA0196)
lower
Mar 31, 2025
Lower · Passed
Passed H., Ayes 94, Nays 0, PNV 0
lower
Mar 3, 2025
Lower · Passed
Senate adopted Amendment (Amendment 1 - SA0015)
lower
Mar 3, 2025
Upper · Passed
Passed Senate as amended, Ayes 32, Nays 0
upper
Feb 25, 2025
Upper · Passed
Recommended for passage with amendment/s, refer to Senate Calendar Committee Ayes 9, Nays 0, PNV 0
upper
Feb 19, 2025
Lower · Passed
Placed on Senate Judiciary Committee calendar for 2/25/2025
lower
Feb 12, 2025
Committee
Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Judiciary Committee
upper
Feb 10, 2025
Introduced
Introduced, Passed on First Consideration
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Ferrell Haile
RRepublican
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