The proposed bill amends Title 44 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes by introducing the "Uniform Electronic Recordation of Custodial Interrogations Act." This legislation mandates that law enforcement officers electronically record custodial interrogations related to violent crimes, with exceptions for exigent circumstances, individual refusals, and situations where recording is not feasible. It establishes definitions for key terms such as "custodial interrogation" and "electronic recording," and clarifies that consent from the individual being interrogated is not required for the recording. The bill also imposes responsibilities on law enforcement agencies for the handling and preservation of these recordings, ensuring they are accessible and maintained according to established procedures.

Additionally, the bill requires the Office of the Attorney General to develop and enforce compliance regulations regarding electronic recordings, including methods for recording and review processes by supervisors. It specifies that courts may consider noncompliance with these regulations when determining the admissibility of statements made during interrogations. The legislation provides immunity from civil liability for law enforcement agencies that follow the new procedures and allows electronic recordings to be self-authenticating with a sworn certificate from a law enforcement officer. The act aims for uniform application across states and clarifies its relation to existing federal laws on electronic signatures, with certain provisions taking effect immediately and others contingent upon future regulations or by January 1, 2027.

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 318 (Mar 06, 2025):
Printer's No. 0318: