Kentucky legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Kentucky HB842: AN ACT relating to interrogation of children.
Status: In committee, March 10, 2026
Create a new section of KRS Chapter 610 to define terms; prohibit the use of deceptive methods when a child is being interrogated; create a new rule of evidence to limit the admissibility of statements made during the interrogation of a child in violation of statute.
What the bill says
An act relating to interrogation of children.
From the introduced text:
AN ACT relating to interrogation of children. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky: SECTION 1. A NEW SECTION OF KRS CHAPTER 610 IS CREATED TO READ AS FOLLOWS: (1) As used in this section: (a) "Deception" includes but is not limited to the knowing communication of false statements about evidence, the misrepresentation of the accuracy of the facts, or the making of false statements regarding leniency; and (b) "Psychologically manipulative interrogation tactics" include but are not limited 2. Techniques to scare or intimidate the child by repetitively asserting the child is guilty despite his or her denials, or exaggerating the magnitude of the charges or the strength of the evidence, including suggesting the existence of evidence that does not exist; 3. Practices that minimize the moral seriousness of the offense by falsely communicating that the conduct is justified, excusable, or accidental; 4. Direct or indirect promises of leniency; or 5. Employment of the false or forced choice strategy, where the child is encouraged to select one (1) of two (2) options, both incriminatory, but one (1) is characterized as morally or legally justified or excusable. (2) During a custodial interrogation of a child relating to the commission of a public offense, a law enforcement officer shall not employ threats, physical harm, deception, or psychologically …
Sponsors
- Joshua Watkins (D, HD-042) · primary sponsor
Latest actions
- : to Judiciary (H)
- : to Committee on Committees (H)
- : introduced in House
Subjects: Criminal Procedure, Crimes And Punishments, Children And Minors, Attorney, County, Peace Officers And Law Enforcement, Local Mandate, Attorney, Commonwealth's, Civil Rights
Common questions
- What is HB842?
- HB842 is a bill in the Kentucky Legislature (2026 Regular Session): AN ACT relating to interrogation of children.
- What does HB842 do?
- In its own words: An act relating to interrogation of children.
- What is the status of HB842?
- In committee as of March 10, 2026. Latest action: to Judiciary (H) (March 10, 2026).
- Who sponsored HB842?
- Joshua Watkins (D, HD-042).
- Where is the official record for HB842?
- On the Kentucky Legislature website: https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/26rs/hb842.html
Source: official Kentucky record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.