INDIANAPOLIS—On Monday, State Senator Rodney Pol (D-Chesterton) attended a ceremonial signing of his SEA 415 alongside advocates and General Assembly colleagues. SEA 415 prevents law enforcement officers from knowingly providing false information to juvenile detainees and requires that an attempt is made to notify parents or guardians of a child’s arrest or detainment.

“SEA 415 is a crucial step forward in protecting Hoosier kids and adding a layer of transparency to the criminal justice process. Many juveniles are later exonerated after making false confessions: this law gives children an added layer of legal protection in these high-pressure, often frightening situations. The bill also requires that reasonable attempts be made to notify parents when a child is arrested or in custody, meaning more kids will have someone to help them through the process and be their advocate. I’m thankful to my colleagues in the General Assembly for their support, as well as the advocates who worked so hard on this legislation.”