Governor signs law requiring recorded interrogations of minors.

By The Star Staff

Puerto Rico Gov. Jenniffer Aydin González Colón on Tuesday enacted Law 51-2026, a measure that strengthens constitutional protections for minors during criminal investigations by requiring that any interrogation related to a minor’s waiver of rights be fully recorded on audio and video.

The new statute, which amends Rule 13.8 of the Rules of Procedure for Juvenile Matters, aligns Puerto Rico’s juvenile procedures with Article 11 of Law 88 of July 9, 1986. Its central purpose is to ensure that any decision by a minor to relinquish a constitutional right is documented clearly and transparently.

Senate President Thomas Rivera Schatz authored the bill, joined by co-sponsors Wilmer Reyes, Jaime Barlucea, Héctor G. González, Brenda Pérez, Ángel Toledo and Karen Román. Supporters of the legislation say it provides an additional layer of accountability in cases involving young people, whose age, maturity, education level and access to legal or familial support must be considered when evaluating the voluntariness of a confession.

Under longstanding legal standards, the government must demonstrate that a minor’s confession was made freely, knowingly and intelligently. The newly signed law requires that investigators submit a complete audiovisual record of the interrogation, including the delivery of rights warnings and all conditions present during questioning.

Advocates say the recording requirement will serve as a crucial tool for judges, attorneys and families assessing the circumstances under which a minor provided a statement. The government maintains that the reform will help ensure fairer and more reliable judicial processes for minors across the island.