HB 217 Summary

• Requires children under age 16 in police custody to have contact with legal counsel, a parent, or legal guardian before waiving constitutional rights and before custodial interrogation, with contact available in person, by telephone, or by video conference.

• Prohibits waiver of the right to contact legal counsel or a guardian, making this requirement mandatory.

• Directs courts to consider any officer's failure to comply with the contact requirement when determining admissibility of statements made by children under 16 during or after custodial interrogation.

• Creates exception to the contact requirement when an officer reasonably believes information is necessary to protect life or property from imminent threat and limits questioning to information necessary for that purpose.

• Effective January 28, 2081.