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WA SB5052

WA SB5052
Revised for 1st Substitute: Clarifying law enforcement ability to contact juvenile witnesses and victims not suspected of criminal involvement or activity.


summary

Introduced
01/13/2025
In Committee
02/12/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

Potential new amendment
2025-2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

AN ACT Relating to clarifying law enforcement ability to contact 2 juvenile witnesses and victims not suspected of criminal involvement 3 or activity; amending RCW 13.40.740; and creating a new section. 4

AI Summary

This bill clarifies the ability of law enforcement to contact juvenile witnesses and victims who are not suspected of criminal activity. The legislation amends RCW 13.40.740 to provide more precise guidelines for interactions between law enforcement and juveniles. Specifically, the bill maintains existing protections for juveniles during custodial interrogations or when being detained on probable cause, requiring access to an attorney before waiving constitutional rights. The bill explicitly allows law enforcement to contact juveniles who are witnesses or victims, addressing potential ambiguities in previous legislation. It preserves exceptions for emergency situations, such as protecting an individual from an imminent threat, and adds a clarifying provision that nothing in the section should prevent the admissibility of lawfully obtained evidence. The bill defines a "juvenile" as an individual under 18 years old and broadly defines "law enforcement officer" to include various types of peace officers and code enforcement personnel. The legislature's intent is to provide consistent statewide interpretation of how law enforcement can interact with juvenile witnesses and victims while maintaining important legal protections for young individuals.

Committee Categories

Labor and Employment

Sponsors (6)

Last Action

Senate Rules "X" file. (on 03/17/2025)

bill text


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