Substitute House Bill No. 7212 aims to amend Section 54-192h of the general statutes related to the Trust Act, specifically addressing the limitations on state contracts concerning 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 officers and certain public agency employees from arresting or detaining individuals based on civil immigration detainers unless specific conditions are met, such as the presence of a judicial warrant or serious felony convictions. Additionally, the bill 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 establishes new requirements for state contracts, mandating that contractors must not cooperate with federal immigration authorities regarding the detention of individuals protected under state laws, effective October 1, 2025. Violations of the provisions regarding civil immigration detainers in courthouses are classified as contempt of court, allowing for civil actions for damages. Furthermore, the bill expands the definition of "law enforcement officer" and includes provisions for data reporting and training for public agency personnel. Overall, the bill seeks to limit the involvement of state and local law enforcement in federal immigration enforcement, thereby enhancing protections for individuals against immigration-related actions.
Statutes affected: Raised Bill: 54-192h
JUD Joint Favorable Substitute: 54-192h
File No. 757: 54-192h