Bill > SB531

This bill modifies Maryland law regarding juvenile custodial interrogations by introducing a new exception to existing legal protections for children during police questioning. Currently, law enforcement must ensure that a child consults with an attorney (either retained privately or provided by the Public Defender's Office) and that the child's parent or guardian is notified before conducting an interrogation. The bill adds a new provision allowing law enforcement to interrogate a child without an attorney present if the child's parent, guardian, or custodian consents to the interrogation. The bill maintains other existing protections, such as a requirement to record interrogations when possible and a rebuttable presumption that statements made during non-compliant interrogations are inadmissible in court. The law would take effect on October 1, 2025, and applies to both juvenile and adult criminal proceedings involving children. The bill aims to provide law enforcement with more flexibility while still maintaining some safeguards for juvenile suspects, potentially balancing investigative needs with protections for young individuals during custodial interrogations.

Justice

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0531?ys=2025RS