GRACIE Act of 2026

This bill would let the federal Children's Bureau give grants to states to help child welfare agencies record and keep recordings of all child welfare interviews. To get a grant, a state must require that these interviews be recorded by audio, body camera video, or other reasonable means, and that recordings be kept for at least 5 years. Recordings could only be released to government agencies investigating or prosecuting an allegation, or to a caregiver or guardian who asks for one in connection with a court case, unless the court orders otherwise. States would have to set penalties for improper release and keep records for audits. Up to $30 million per year from existing child welfare funds could be used for the grants in fiscal years 2026 through 2031.

Full text and official record on Congress.gov

Sponsors

• Ann Wagner Republican sponsor
• 8 cosponsors