U.S. Reps. Ann Wagner (R-MO) and Blake Moore (R-UT) on April 9 unveiled a bipartisan bill that would support state efforts to record all child welfare interviews.
The Generate Recordings of All Child protective Interviews Everywhere (GRACIE) Act of 2026, H.R. 8245, which Rep. Wagner sponsored alongside four original cosponsors, including Rep. Moore and U.S. Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-FL), also would support state efforts to retain the digital recordings of all such interviews.
“Child Protective Services is a critical tool to shield children from abuse, and they are often the first step in ensuring children are taken out of abusive situations and abusers are put behind bars,” Rep. Wagner said. “The GRACIE Act would help ensure these initial interviews with investigators are appropriately retained so our justice system has the right evidence to hold accountable the perpetrators of this despicable crime.”
In the United States, an estimated 37.4 percent of children are interviewed by Child Protective Services (CPS) before the age of 18. CPS serves as the gatekeeper to the foster care system, and interview protocols remain outdated, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers.
Often, for instance, initial interviews are conducted spontaneously at a child’s school or home by a social worker, and the child’s statements are written down without witnesses or accountability for accuracy, the summary says.
If enacted, H.R. 8245 would establish a program within the Administration for Children and Families to allow eligible entities (CPS agencies in states that have a recording requirement) to apply for funding that may only be used for costs directly, and retain a recording for five years, states the summary.
“In Utah, the Division of Child and Family Services, Children’s Justice Centers, and law enforcement work tirelessly to keep families safe and prosecute those who abuse or neglect children. They need every tool available to them to support and stand up for children when they need it most,” Rep. Moore said. “I’m proud to introduce the GRACIE Act with Rep. Wagner to financially support states that voluntarily choose to record official CPS interviews.”
The legislation, which is a companion bill to the same-named S. 659 introduced in February 2025 by U.S. Sens. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Jon Ossoff (D-GA), is supported by Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway, Street Grace, and the 3Strands Global Foundation.