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Bill

A 1955

Requires a parent, law guardian or person legally responsible for a minor to be present during questioning by a peace or police officer

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Linda Rosenthal

Requires a parent, guardian, or legally responsible adult to be present when a minor is questioned by police or peace officers, protecting youth rights and guiding interviews.

REFERRED TO CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
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Bill Summary · A 1955

Summary of Assembly Bill A 1955

Bill at a glance

  • Bill number: A 1955
  • Title / purpose: Requires a parent, law guardian, or person legally responsible for a minor to be present during questioning by a peace or police officer
  • Sponsor: Linda Rosenthal (primary)
  • Introduced: January 14, 2025
  • Status: Referred to the Committee on Children and Families (on January 14, 2025; action appears twice in the record)

Purpose and intent

The bill seeks to protect minors during police or peace officer questioning by ensuring that a responsible adult—specifically a parent, law guardian, or other person legally responsible for the minor—must be present. The core aim is to safeguard the rights and welfare of minors during investigative questioning and to ensure appropriate guardianship and oversight in interactions with law enforcement.

Key provisions (as indicated by the available information)

  • A minor cannot be questioned by a peace officer or police officer in the absence of a parent, law guardian, or other person legally responsible for the minor, who must be present during questioning.
  • The bill designates the roles of the responsible adult who must be present (parent, law guardian, or other legally responsible person).
  • No additional text is provided here detailing exceptions, definitions, or procedural specifics (for example, emergency scenarios, waivers, or rights advisements). The exact language would be in the bill text.

Who would be affected

  • Minors who are subjects of policing or peace officer questioning.
  • Parents, guardians, and other legally responsible persons who would be required to be present during such questioning.
  • Law enforcement agencies and officers who would need to comply with the presence requirement.
  • Legal guardians ad litem or law guardians who may be covered if they fit the defined “person legally responsible” category.

Legislative status and timeline

  • Introduced: January 14, 2025.
  • Status: Referred to the Committee on Children and Families on January 14, 2025. The record shows this referral occurred more than once, indicating committee assignment but no further action reported here.

Related bills and context

  • Related bills from prior sessions include A 883, A 6630, A 989, A 1029, A 6464, A 4910, A 633, A 1305, and A 764. The pattern suggests ongoing interest in adding procedural protections for minors during police questioning.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Protection of minors: Reinforces safeguards by ensuring a responsible adult is present during questioning.
  • Operational effects on policing: May require changes to interview procedures, including scheduling and availability of guardians.
  • Practical considerations: Requirements may raise questions about what constitutes “present” (in person vs. remote), emergencies, and who qualifies as a “person legally responsible.”
  • Legal clarity: The bill’s definitions (e.g., “peace officer,” “law guardian,” and “person legally responsible”) and any exemptions or time limits would determine practical implementation; the full bill text would provide these details.

Next steps for readers

  • Monitor committee decisions in the Children and Families committee for amendments, hearings, or passage.
  • Review the full text of A 1955 once available to understand precise definitions, exceptions, and procedural rules.
  • Consider connection to related bills in prior sessions for broader context on protections for minors during police questioning.

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

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