Bill > H3016

This bill establishes new legal protections for children during law enforcement interrogations in South Carolina by requiring officers to inform children of specific rights before questioning. These rights include the right to remain silent, the understanding that any statements can be used against them, the right to have a parent, guardian, or custodian present during questioning, and the right to consult with an attorney (who will be appointed if the child wants representation but cannot afford one). The bill stipulates that any confession or admission made during an interrogation cannot be admitted as evidence unless it was made in the presence of the child's parent, guardian, custodian, or attorney. Furthermore, parents or guardians cannot waive the child's rights on their behalf, and if a child indicates at any point that they do not wish to continue being questioned, the officer must immediately stop the interrogation. The legislation adds these provisions to Section 63-19-815 of the South Carolina Code and will take effect upon the Governor's approval, representing a significant enhancement of procedural protections for minors in the criminal justice system.

Justice

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=3016&session=126&summary=B