H.298 is a bill introduced to restrict the Vermont Department of Corrections' cooperation with federal immigration authorities. The bill aims to ensure equality under the law for all residents of Vermont by limiting assistance to federal immigration authorities, which is believed to undermine public trust and disproportionately affect immigrant communities. It includes provisions for the Department to report on its current level of assistance to federal immigration authorities, inquiries received, and any legal challenges or changes in federal law that may impact these provisions. Additionally, the bill grants the Department rulemaking authority to train employees on relevant laws and imposes penalties for noncompliance.

Key provisions of the bill include prohibiting the Department from contacting federal immigration authorities based on an individual's race, ethnicity, or immigration status, and from prolonging detention for immigration investigations. The Department is also barred from accepting requests for assistance in immigration enforcement operations and must not detain or transfer individuals to federal immigration authorities without a judicial warrant. The bill mandates annual reporting to legislative committees on any requests from federal immigration authorities and requires the Department to terminate existing contracts with these authorities within 30 days of the bill's passage, except as required by federal law.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 28-101, 28-102(b), 28-102