H1984

Protecting youth during custodial interrogations

Introduced·2/27/25
Introduced Text

Massachusetts H1984 prohibits using juvenile statements from custodial interrogations in court unless an attorney is present and the interrogation is.

Massachusetts H1984 amends Chapter 119 of the General Laws to protect youth during custodial interrogations. A juvenile's statement made during such interrogations is inadmissible in court unless the juvenile is represented by an attorney who is present before the reading of Miranda warnings and throughout the interrogation. Additionally, the entire interrogation, including the reading of Miranda warnings, must be audio and video recorded. The presence of an attorney and the recording requirement cannot be waived by the juvenile or anyone on their behalf.

Included in complete analysis

  • Overview
  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

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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