Bill > SB856

This bill establishes comprehensive protections for immigrants in educational and healthcare settings in Hawaii by setting strict guidelines for interactions with federal immigration authorities. Specifically, the bill prohibits covered educational entities (including public schools) and health facilities from collecting immigration status information about students, patients, or their family members, except when required by law or a judicial warrant. The bill mandates that United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers must provide valid identification, a written statement of purpose, and a genuine judicial warrant (issued by a federal judge, not an administrative document) before being granted limited, non-patient/student area access to schools or health facilities. School and health facility leadership must immediately report any ICE access requests to their respective governing boards while maintaining confidentiality. For schools, the bill additionally requires educating students about the negative impacts of immigration status-based bullying and ensuring that students can access education regardless of immigration status. The legislation aims to protect Hawaii's diverse immigrant population, which comprises approximately 254,000 residents, including 50,500 undocumented immigrants, by creating a safe environment that prevents potential trauma and ensures civil rights protections in educational and healthcare settings.

Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=856&year=2026