This bill amends Title 42 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, focusing on juvenile matters, specifically regarding definitions, the release or delivery of children to court, mandatory counsel, and child interrogation procedures. A new definition for "custodial interrogation" is introduced, which outlines the conditions under which questioning by law enforcement is considered custodial. Additionally, the bill mandates that when a child is taken into custody, law enforcement must immediately notify the child's parent or guardian about the child's location, the reason for custody, and how they can make contact with the child. The bill also expands the responsibilities of law enforcement regarding the treatment of children in custody, including the requirement to provide written notice to guardians and the inclusion of mental health conditions in the assessment of a child's needs.

Furthermore, the bill establishes mandatory counsel for children during custodial interrogations, ensuring that a child cannot be interrogated until they have consulted with an attorney. It outlines the conditions under which this consultation must occur, including confidentiality and the requirement for law enforcement to attempt to notify the child's guardian. The bill also introduces provisions for recording interrogations and establishes a rebuttable presumption against the admissibility of statements made by children if law enforcement fails to comply with the outlined requirements. Lastly, the Juvenile Court Judges' Commission is tasked with adopting rules for age-appropriate language to inform children of their rights when taken into custody. The act is set to take effect in 60 days.

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 1930 (Jun 16, 2025): 42-6302