H1979

Prohibiting deception in juvenile interrogations

Introduced·2/27/25
Introduced Text

Massachusetts H1979 prohibits deception during juvenile custodial interrogations and mandates recordings.

Massachusetts H1979 prohibits law enforcement from using deception during juvenile custodial interrogations. Statements made by juveniles during such interrogations are presumed involuntary and inadmissible if deception is involved. The Commonwealth must prove the statement was voluntary and not influenced by deception to admit it as evidence. The bill also mandates that all custodial interrogations of juveniles in places of detention be recorded. Failure to record makes statements and derived evidence inadmissible, unless the Commonwealth proves recording was not reasonably possible.

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Where it stands

Current
In committee
Next
Committee decision

Sponsors

D
1
0
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Calendar

Jun 10, 2025

1:00 PM

Joint Committee on The Judiciary Hearing

History

Mar 26

House

Accompanied a study order, see H5281 (under House Rule 27)

Oct 20, 2025

Joint

Hearing scheduled for 06/10/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2

Oct 20, 2025

House

Reported by committee to Clerk’s Office for processing, will accompany a study order