The Protecting Miranda Rights for Kids Act would establish new federal requirements to safeguard minors under age 18 during police questioning. The bill requires law enforcement to notify a minor's parent, guardian, or legal custodian immediately when the minor is arrested and to inform them of the minor's location. Most importantly, the bill prohibits minors from waiving their right to remain silent or their right to an attorney unless they first consult with a lawyer in person, and it ensures that the minor's assigned attorney can be physically present during all interrogations. The law would make any statements given by a minor in violation of these protections inadmissible as evidence in federal criminal cases. The bill includes a narrow exception for emergency situations where police need to question a minor to prevent imminent harm to the minor or another person.
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