The bill, known as the Secure and Accountable Federal Enforcement (SAFE) Act, establishes enhanced protections for data privacy and personal safety within public accommodations in Washington, particularly targeting early learning providers, school districts, health care facilities, and institutions of higher education. It prohibits these entities from collecting information about the immigration or citizenship status of students, families, or patients, and restricts immigration enforcement officers' access to nonpublic areas without a valid judicial warrant, subpoena, or court order. Additionally, it requires early learning providers and school district employees to report any law enforcement requests related to immigration enforcement while maintaining the confidentiality of identifying information.
Moreover, the bill mandates educational institutions to inform students and parents about their rights concerning immigration enforcement and to provide resources for legal assistance. It also requires institutions of higher education to support undocumented students and ensure their access to educational benefits despite immigration enforcement actions. The bill introduces provisions for the handling of ballots during elections, designating ballot processing areas as nonpublic and limiting access for immigration enforcement without a valid judicial warrant. A severability clause is included to maintain the effectiveness of the remaining provisions if any part of the act is found invalid.