Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB1613

Introduced
6/16/25  

Caption

In juvenile matters, further providing for definitions and for release or delivery to court, providing for mandatory counsel and for child interrogation and further providing for powers and duties of the Juvenile Court Judges' Commission.

Impact

If passed, HB1613 would enhance legal protections for juveniles involved in the court system. By requiring consultations with counsel, the bill aims to ensure that youth fully understand their rights and the implications of any statements they make during interrogations. It also formalizes the recording of such interactions, aimed at safeguarding against potential misunderstandings or misuse of the juvenile’s statements. This measure could significantly alter the procedures followed by law enforcement and potentially reduce instances of coerced confessions or wrongful incrimination of minors.

Summary

House Bill 1613 aims to amend Title 42 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, focusing on juvenile matters. The bill introduces significant modifications regarding the definitions of custodial interrogations and establishes new requirements for law enforcement. Notably, it mandates that interrogations of children must be recorded and that children must consult with an attorney prior to any custodial interrogation. These changes are intended to provide greater protection for minors during interactions with the legal system, aligning with modern standards for juvenile justice.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB1613 is largely positive among child advocacy groups and legal professionals who see the need for enhanced protections for juveniles. Supporters argue that these procedural safeguards reflect an understanding of the vulnerabilities of children and promote fair treatment within the juvenile justice system. However, there may be concerns from law enforcement regarding the implications of these requirements on their ability to effectively perform their duties, particularly in urgent situations where immediate action may be needed.

Contention

While many see HB1613 as a step forward for juvenile justice, there might be debates surrounding the feasibility of implementing these recording requirements and ensuring that all interrogations adhere to the new rules. Concerns may also arise about how these changes could affect the pace of investigations and the potential for obstructing justice during urgent circumstances. Ultimately, the balance between protecting minors and allowing law enforcement to act effectively will be a significant point of contention as discussions around the bill continue.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB1381

In juvenile matters, further providing for short title and purposes of chapter, for definitions, for scope of chapter, for powers and duties of probation officers, for summary offenses, for inspection of court files and records, for guardian ad litem for child in court proceedings, for transfer from criminal proceedings, for informal adjustment, for taking into custody, for detention of child, for release or delivery to court and for place of detention, providing for confinement in juvenile treatment facilities, further providing for notice and hearing, providing for questioning and interrogating a child, further providing for consent decree, providing for school stability for certain students, further providing for disposition of delinquent child, for limitation on and change in place of commitment and for transfer to criminal proceedings.

PA HB1125

In child protective services, further providing for definitions; and, in juvenile matters, further providing for definitions.

PA SB752

In juvenile matters, further providing for definitions, for powers and duties of probation officers and for informal adjustment, providing for requirement of diversion and further providing for taking into custody, for detention of child, for release or delivery to court, for release from detention or commencement of proceedings, for informal hearing, for release or holding of hearing, for consent decree, for disposition of delinquent child and for limitation on and change in place of commitment.

PA HB1058

In juvenile matters, further providing for definitions and for notice and hearing.

PA SB170

In criminal history record information, further providing for juvenile records; and, in juvenile matters, further providing for powers and duties of probation officers, for informal adjustment, for consent decree, for adjudication, for disposition of delinquent child and for powers and duties.

PA SB751

In juvenile matters, further providing for definitions, for place of detention and for transfer to criminal proceedings.

PA HB285

In proceedings prior to petition to adopt, further providing for grounds for involuntary termination; and, in juvenile matters, further providing for disposition of dependent child.

PA HB1600

In children and youth, further providing for availability of services, providing for purposes, further providing for payments to counties for services to children, for review of county submissions and for statistics and assistance for research, providing for ensuring safe and humane institutional practices and further providing for study of delinquents and recommendations to courts; and, in departmental powers and duties as to licensing, further providing for refusal to issue license, revocation and notice.

PA SB1299

In human trafficking, further providing for definitions, for victim protection during prosecution and for safe harbor for sexually exploited children; in sex trafficking and missing and abducted children, further providing for county responsibilities; in juvenile matters, further providing for dependency in lieu of delinquency; and making an editorial change.

PA HB1418

Further providing for definitions and for powers and duties of the commission; providing for racial impact statement for juvenile matters laws; further providing for Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Committee; and establishing the Youth Advisory Board and the Juvenile Nonresidential Evidence-based Practices Fund.

Similar Bills

CA AB887

Human trafficking victims assistance: grants.

CA AB137

Facilities of the State Plan of Flood Control.

VT H0258

An act relating to law enforcement interrogation policies

TX HB219

Relating to the electronic recording and admissibility of certain custodial interrogations.

TX SB123

Relating to the electronic recording and admissibility of certain custodial interrogations.

TX HB3134

Relating to the electronic recording and admissibility of certain custodial interrogations.

VT S0285

An act relating to law enforcement interrogation policies

TX SB1253

Relating to the electronic recording and admissibility of certain custodial interrogations.