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HB 1247

An Act amending Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in rules of evidence, providing for prohibition of deception during custodial interrogation of individual with intellectual disability or autism.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz and 11 co-sponsors

Pennsylvania bill prohibits police from using deceptive tactics during interrogation of suspects with intellectual disabilities or autism to reduce false confessions.

Referred to Judiciary
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Bill Summary · HB 1247

Legislative bill overview

HB 1247 would amend Pennsylvania's rules of evidence to prohibit law enforcement from using deceptive tactics during custodial interrogation of individuals with intellectual disabilities or autism spectrum disorder. The bill creates specific protections for these vulnerable populations during police questioning, restricting tactics like false evidence claims or misleading statements about legal consequences.

Why is this important

Individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism are significantly overrepresented in false confession cases and wrongful convictions. Research shows these populations are more susceptible to police deception tactics due to cognitive differences, suggestibility, and difficulty understanding interrogation dynamics. This bill addresses a documented vulnerability that can lead to innocent people being convicted.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation challenges: Law enforcement would need reliable methods to identify and document intellectual disabilities or autism during interrogations, raising questions about assessment standards and potential delays
  • Interrogation effectiveness vs. fairness: Police departments may argue that prohibiting deception broadly hampers legitimate investigation techniques, though the bill targets vulnerable populations specifically
  • Definition scope: The bill's coverage of "intellectual disability or autism" may raise questions about where boundaries lie—whether it applies to mild cases, recently diagnosed individuals, or undiagnosed conditions

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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