H.B. 419 Summary

• Requires officers to ensure children under 16 years of age have contact with legal counsel or a parent/legal guardian in person, by telephone, or by video conference before any custodial interrogation or waiver of constitutional rights

• Contact with counsel or parent/legal guardian cannot be waived by the child

• Courts must consider the effect of any officer's failure to comply with these requirements when determining admissibility of statements made by children under 16 during or after custodial interrogation

• Exceptions apply when officer reasonably believes information is necessary to protect life or property from imminent threat and questions are limited to obtaining that information

• Effective date: July 1, 2021