The proposed bill amends Chapter 14-1 of the General Laws, introducing a new section, 14-1-30.3, which establishes strict guidelines for the custodial interrogation of juveniles by peace officers, including school resource officers. The bill explicitly prohibits the use of threats, physical harm, deprivation, deception, coercion, or psychologically manipulative tactics during such interrogations. It defines key terms such as "coercion," "deception," "deprivation," and "psychologically manipulative interrogation tactics," providing detailed descriptions of what constitutes each.

Furthermore, any statements obtained through these prohibited methods would be deemed inadmissible in criminal or juvenile court proceedings, with the burden of proof resting on the state to demonstrate that any confession or statement was given voluntarily and free from coercive tactics. The bill emphasizes the importance of protecting juveniles during interrogations and aims to ensure that any evidence obtained is reliable and ethically gathered. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.