Bill H.745 aims to enhance protections against federal immigration enforcement in sensitive locations within Vermont, such as schools, healthcare facilities, and public libraries. The bill mandates that federal immigration authorities must present a judicial warrant to access nonpublic areas of these sensitive locations or any individual records maintained there. Additionally, it restricts the Department of Corrections from assisting federal immigration authorities, terminating existing agreements and limiting future cooperation, except as required by federal law. The bill also includes provisions for the Human Rights Commission to develop a model policy to guide sensitive locations in limiting assistance to federal immigration authorities.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new definitions related to federal immigration authorities and sensitive locations, and it expands the scope of civil arrest protections to include individuals traveling to or from public agency buildings. It specifies that individuals cannot be subject to civil arrest in these contexts, with certain exceptions. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, and emphasizes the importance of maintaining safe and accessible environments for all residents, regardless of immigration status.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 20-141, 28-101, 28-102(b), 28-102, 16-33, 12-3577