Bill > HB413

This bill adopts the Uniform Electronic Recordation of Custodial Interrogations Act, which mandates the electronic video and audio recording of custodial interrogations related to violent crimes, with several important exceptions. Law enforcement agencies must comprehensively record interrogations in their entirety, but can be exempted under specific circumstances such as exigent circumstances, equipment malfunctions, safety concerns, or if the individual being questioned refuses to be recorded. If an interrogation is not recorded, the law enforcement officer must prepare a written report explaining why, and the prosecution bears the burden of proving the exception applies. The bill requires the Office of Attorney General to develop regulations governing how these recordings are made, preserved, and monitored, including standards for video recording angles and focus. If a recording is not made or does not comply with regulations, a court may consider this when determining the admissibility of statements made during the interrogation. The law also provides some liability protections for law enforcement agencies that make good-faith efforts to comply with the regulations. The act will take effect either on the date of temporary regulations or January 1, 2026, whichever comes first, with the goal of promoting uniformity in custodial interrogation recording practices across jurisdictions.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=413