The bill proposes an amendment to Chapter 14-1 of the General Laws, specifically adding a new section 14-1-30.3, which outlines the conditions under which statements made by a juvenile during custodial interrogation by law enforcement officials can be admissible in court. The bill stipulates that such statements are inadmissible unless the juvenile was advised of their right to have a parent or legal guardian present during questioning, the parent or legal guardian was actually present, and both the juvenile and the parent or legal guardian were informed of the juvenile's rights, including the right to remain silent, the potential use of their statements in court, the right to have an attorney present, and the provision of an attorney if they cannot afford one. The bill also allows for the admissibility of statements if a private attorney or public defender was present, the juvenile made a knowing and voluntary waiver of rights, the juvenile misrepresented their age as being 18 or older, or if the juvenile is emancipated.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies that the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) cannot act as a legal or physical guardian for the purpose of waiving the requirements of this section, except in cases where the family court has terminated parental rights and appointed the department as the sole guardian. It also includes provisions for the juvenile or their parent or legal guardian to expressly waive the requirement of the parent or legal guardian's presence during interrogation, provided that they have been fully informed of their constitutional rights. The bill would take effect upon passage and aims to ensure that juveniles are protected during custodial interrogations by requiring the presence of a parent, legal guardian, or attorney, and by safeguarding their constitutional rights.