SB 1255: Restraints on juveniles; use in court prohibited, exceptions.

Official summary

Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.

Use of restraints on juveniles in court prohibited; exceptions. Prohibits the use of instruments of restraint, as defined in the bill, on a juvenile appearing before the juvenile and domestic relations district court unless, upon motion of the attorney for the Commonwealth or on the court's own motion sua sponte, the court makes a finding that (i) the use of such restraints is necessary (a) to prevent physical harm to such juvenile or another person, (b) because such juvenile has a history of disruptive courtroom behavior that has placed others in potentially harmful situations or presents a substantial threat of serious harm to himself or others as evidenced by recent behavior, or (c) because such juvenile presents a substantial risk of flight from the courtroom and (ii) there are no less restrictive alternatives to such restraints that will prevent flight of or harm to such juvenile or another person, including court personnel or law-enforcement officers. The bill provides that the juvenile shall be entitled to an attorney prior to a hearing on the use of instruments of restraint. The bill also requires the court to provide the juvenile's attorney an opportunity to be heard before the court orders the use of instruments of restraint, and the juvenile's attorney may waive the juvenile's appearance at such hearing. Lastly, the bill requires the court, if such restraints are ordered, to communicate to the parties the basis of the decision either orally or in writing. This bill is identical to HB 2222.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 1

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. March 24, 2025Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0470)
2. March 24, 2025Approved by Governor-Chapter 470 (Effective 07/01/25)
3. February 20, 2025Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., March 24, 2025
4. February 20, 2025Enrolled Bill Communicated to Governor on February 20, 2025
5. February 20, 2025Signed by President
6. February 18, 2025Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB1255)
7. February 17, 2025Signed by Speaker
8. February 17, 2025Bill text as passed Senate and House (SB1255ER)
9. February 17, 2025Enrolled
10. February 12, 2025House substitute agreed to by Senate (38-Y 0-N)
11. February 10, 2025Passed House with substitute (95-Y 0-N)
12. February 10, 2025Engrossed by House - committee substitute

Showing 12 most recent of 34 actions. Full history