Senate adopts third substitute of SB49 to expand juvenile custodial protections

Senators adopted the third substitute to Senate Bill 49 after floor presentation and moved the bill to passage. The sponsor (addressed on the floor as Senator Eby) explained the substitute clarifies how Miranda advisements are delivered to juveniles who may have cognitive or special-education needs and extends the time available for officers to locate a ‘‘friendly adult’’ to assist the juvenile in understanding their rights.

The sponsor said the change aims to give juveniles an opportunity to meaningfully engage — not simply be read a statement — and to provide police extra time to find an adult who can help explain legal rights. “Many juveniles when they are arrested … have some cognitive disorders … and need a little bit extra time understanding what their Miranda rights are,” the sponsor said in explanation on the floor.

There was limited floor questioning and no sustained opposition recorded. The Senate recorded the roll-call result for Third Substitute SB49 as 25 yay, 0 nay, 4 absent; the bill will be sent to the House for consideration.

Next steps: SB49 as adopted will be transmitted to the House for its consideration; no amendments or further action on the Senate floor were recorded at adjournment.