The proposed bill aims to enhance data and personal safety protections for Washington residents within public accommodations, particularly focusing on early learning providers, schools, health care facilities, institutions of higher education, and election offices. It establishes new regulations that prohibit these entities from collecting information regarding immigration or citizenship status of individuals and restricts access to nonpublic areas by immigration enforcement officers without a valid judicial warrant or court order. The bill mandates that if a worker represented by a union is subject to immigration enforcement actions, the respective entity must contact the worker's collective bargaining representative. Additionally, it requires the development of policies to designate public and nonpublic areas within these institutions.
The bill also includes definitions for key terms such as "immigration enforcement," "nonpublic area," and "immigration or citizenship status," ensuring clarity in its application. Importantly, it specifies that nothing in the bill creates a private right of action for individuals or entities. The act is designated as the Secure and Accountable Federal Enforcement (SAFE) Act and is deemed necessary for the immediate preservation of public peace, health, or safety, taking effect immediately upon passage.