The bill amends the Probate Code of 1939 by updating definitions and adding new provisions related to juvenile competency and interactions with law enforcement. Key changes include the clarification of terms such as "competency evaluation," "deception," and "qualified juvenile forensic mental health examiner." Notably, the bill specifies that any statement, admission, or confession made by a juvenile to law enforcement or court officials is presumed involuntary and inadmissible if deception is used during the interaction. This presumption can only be overcome if the prosecution demonstrates that the statement was voluntary, not a result of deception, and reliable.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing language to ensure that references to juveniles are consistently gender-neutral, replacing terms like "his or her" with "the juvenile's." It also establishes that the new provisions regarding the presumption of involuntariness will take effect on January 1, 2027. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the protection of juveniles in legal proceedings by addressing the impact of deceptive practices by law enforcement and ensuring that their rights are upheld.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 712A.1