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Committee considers adding forensic interviewers to list who can report child out‑of‑court statements; proponents cite accreditation, defenders warn of gaps
Summary
House Bill 442 would add accredited forensic interviewers to the narrow hearsay exception that permits out‑of‑court statements by child victims; prosecutors and county executives said the change addresses staffing and rural access, while the Office of the Public Defender urged caution over licensing and oversight.
House Bill 442 would add ‘‘forensic interviewers’’ to the list of professionals whose out‑of‑court statements by child victims may be admissible under Maryland Criminal Procedure §11‑304. Supporters said the change reflects modern practice at child advocacy centers (CACs) and would expand access, especially in rural counties.
Delegate Simpson, sponsor, said the bill would allow qualified forensic interviewers — professionals trained to conduct developmentally appropriate, non‑leading interviews — to be recognized for purposes of the tender‑years hearsay exception. Jessica Fitzwater, Frederick County executive, said the county’s CAC sometimes lacks a full‑time staffer with…
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