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PA HB1613
Bill
Status
6/16/2025
Primary Sponsor
Liz Hanbidge
Click for details
AI Summary
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Law enforcement must ensure a child consults with an attorney (retained by family or provided by public defender) before any custodial interrogation, and this requirement cannot be waived regardless of whether proceedings are delinquency or criminal
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When taking a child into custody, officers must immediately notify parents/guardians of the child's location, reason for custody, and instructions for making immediate in-person contact with the child
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Custodial interrogations of children must be electronically recorded unless impossible, unsafe, or the child/parent/guardian/attorney refuses; children must be informed if recording is occurring
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Statements made during custodial interrogation are inadmissible if law enforcement failed to comply with notification, mandatory counsel, or recording requirements, or if the interrogation occurred without the child's parent, guardian, custodian, or attorney present
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The Juvenile Court Judges' Commission must adopt rules for age-appropriate language to advise children of their rights when taken into custody; the act takes effect in 60 days
Legislative Description
In juvenile matters, further providing for definitions and for release or delivery to court, providing for mandatory counsel, for child interrogation and for refusal to be recorded electronically and further providing for powers and duties of the Juvenile Court Judges' Commission.
Last Action
Re-committed to Appropriations
10/8/2025