Puerto Rico Governor Jenniffer González Colón signed into law a measure that changes the rules on recording interrogations of minors in custody, with the stated aim of strengthening protection of their constitutional rights, dignity and privacy. The bill, House Bill 1206, which the governor authored, became Law 213-2026 and amends Law 88 of July 9, 1986, known as the Puerto Rico Minors Act.
According to La Fortaleza, the governor’s office, the law seeks to obtain the express consent of the minor and of a parent or guardian before the interrogation can be recorded in audio and video. It also establishes that statements obtained during an interrogation will not be automatically inadmissible because no recording exists, as long as certain conditions are met.
The Prosecutor’s Office (Ministerio Público) must show that there was just cause that prevented the recording. In addition, the court must determine that any waiver of constitutional rights by the minor was made freely, voluntarily and intelligently. According to La Fortaleza’s statement, these provisions are meant to ensure that decisions related to minors’ rights are made legitimately and with the corresponding protections.