Substitute House Bill No. 7212 aims to amend Section 54-192h of the general statutes concerning the Trust Act and the limitations on state contracts related to immigration enforcement. The bill repeals the existing section and introduces new definitions, including "administrative warrant," "civil immigration detainer," and "ICE access." It prohibits law enforcement and certain judicial and correctional personnel from arresting or detaining individuals based solely on civil immigration detainers unless specific conditions are met, such as the presence of a judicial warrant or serious felony convictions. Additionally, it restricts the use of resources for communication with federal immigration authorities and prohibits public agencies from using interpretation services provided by these authorities. The bill also expands the definition of "law enforcement officer" and emphasizes the protection of individuals' rights and confidentiality regarding sensitive information.
Moreover, the bill establishes new requirements for state contracts, mandating that contractors include a representation stating they will not cooperate with federal immigration authorities regarding the detention of individuals protected under existing laws. It also prohibits civil arrests or detentions in courthouses based on civil immigration detainers, classifying violations as contempt of court. The bill requires municipalities to report demographic data related to ICE access and mandates training for public agency personnel on these provisions. Overall, the bill seeks to limit the involvement of state and local agencies in federal immigration enforcement, enhance protections for individuals, and ensure compliance with new reporting and contract requirements, with an effective date set for October 1, 2025.
Statutes affected: Raised Bill: 54-192h
JUD Joint Favorable Substitute: 54-192h
File No. 757: 54-192h