MD HB449

Adds a new exception allowing law enforcement officers to conduct custodial interrogations of children without prior attorney consultation if the child's parent, guardian, or custodian consents to the interrogation

Current law requires children to consult with an attorney before custodial interrogation, with the only existing exception being public safety threats requiring limited questioning

The attorney consultation requirement cannot be waived by the child and applies whether the child is charged as a juvenile or adult

Interrogations conducted under the exceptions must be recorded unless impossible, impracticable, or unsafe, and children must be informed if recording is occurring

Effective date: October 1, 2026