H.R. 44: Kalief’s Law

• requires federal law enforcement officers to record youth custodial interrogations,
• limits the use of solitary confinement for youth at federal facilities, and
• limits the use of restraints on youth during federal court proceedings.

At the state and local levels, the bill places conditions on existing grants and establishes a new grant to incentivize the implementation of similar policies with respect to youth.

First, the bill reauthorizes the Juvenile Accountability Block Grant program for FY2023-FY2027. To be eligible for grant funds, state and local governments must implement policies that, with respect to youth, provide a right to speedy trial, provide a right to timely bail consideration, and restrict the use of solitary confinement.

Second, a state or local government that receives funding under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant program or the Community Oriented Policing Services program must implement policies and training on police-youth interaction.

Third, the bill directs the Department of Justice to award grants to help state and local governments record youth custodial interrogations.