The bill amends Chapter 14-1 of the General Laws by introducing a new section, 14-1-30.3, which establishes guidelines regarding the admissibility of statements made by juveniles during custodial interrogations. Under this new provision, statements or admissions made by a juvenile concerning alleged delinquent or criminal acts will not be admissible in court unless specific conditions are met. These conditions include: (1) the juvenile being advised of their right to have a parent or legal guardian present during questioning; (2) the presence of a parent or legal guardian during the questioning; (3) prior advisement of the juvenile's rights, including the right to remain silent, the potential use of statements against them in court, the right to have an attorney present, the provision of an attorney at no cost if they cannot afford one, and the ability to request an attorney at any time during questioning.

Additionally, the bill outlines circumstances under which statements made in the absence of a parent or guardian may still be admissible, such as: (1) the presence of a private attorney or public defender during the interrogation; (2) a court finding that the juvenile made a knowing, intelligent, and voluntary waiver of their rights, particularly if the juvenile misrepresented their age as being eighteen (18) years or older and law enforcement acted in good faith reliance on that representation; or (3) if the juvenile is emancipated from their parent or legal guardian.

The bill further specifies that a juvenile shall be deemed emancipated if they are over the age of fifteen (15) and under eighteen (18), have the assent of their parents, and have demonstrated independence in matters of care, custody, and earnings. Emancipation may include situations such as being married, in the military, or otherwise self-supporting. In cases where the only legal guardian is the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF), no interrogation shall take place until an attorney has been appointed by the court to advise the juvenile. The provisions of this section will apply in the event of any conflict with chapter 21.5 of title 16. The act will take effect upon passage.