The GRACIE Act of 2026 would provide federal grants to states to help them record and retain all child welfare interviews conducted by child protective services agencies. States receiving grants would be required to establish policies ensuring that interviews are recorded through audio, video, or other means and kept for at least five years, with recordings accessible to caregivers and guardians involved in court proceedings and to government agencies investigating allegations of child abuse or neglect. The bill allocates up to $30 million per year from existing child welfare funding for fiscal years 2026 through 2031 to support states in implementing these recording systems, with the Associate Commissioner of the Children's Bureau overseeing the grant program and conducting audits to ensure proper use of funds.
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