Bill > S108

This bill proposes new protections for juveniles during custodial interrogations by adding Section 66A to Chapter 119 of Massachusetts General Laws. The legislation establishes that statements made by a juvenile during a custodial interrogation will only be admissible as evidence if specific conditions are met: the juvenile must be represented by an attorney who is present before and throughout the entire interrogation, the entire interrogation (including Miranda warnings) must be audio and video recorded, and the charges must involve only misdemeanor offenses. The bill critically stipulates that neither the juvenile nor anyone acting on their behalf can waive the requirement for attorney presence or recording. Additionally, all recordings of juvenile interrogations must be automatically discoverable and preserved until the criminal case is fully resolved through the appeals process. These provisions aim to protect young people from potential coercion or misrepresentation during police questioning by ensuring legal representation, transparency through recording, and limiting the use of statements to less serious offenses.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S108