Bill S.148, introduced by Senators Vyhovsky, Gulick, and White, aims to prohibit Vermont law enforcement agencies and their representatives from using any resources to assist federal immigration authorities in civil or criminal immigration investigations or proceedings. The bill specifies that this noncooperation extends to situations covered by existing state laws, specifically 12 V.S.A. 7306 and 18 V.S.A. 4254. However, it includes an exception that allows for assistance when responding to a judicial warrant or during an independent investigation of a criminal offense that is not related to federal immigration law.

The bill introduces new legal language under 20 V.S.A. 2372, defining federal immigration authorities and outlining the restrictions on law enforcement agencies and officers. It explicitly states that no resources, including time, money, or personnel, may be expended in support of federal immigration efforts. The act is set to take effect upon passage, reinforcing Vermont's stance on noncooperation with federal immigration enforcement while allowing for specific exceptions in certain legal circumstances.