summary
Introduced
02/05/2025
02/05/2025
In Committee
02/07/2025
02/07/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
03/28/2025
03/28/2025
Introduced Session
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Create new sections of KRS Chapter 61 to define terms; prohibit state and local governmental entities from adopting sanctuary policies; require law enforcement agencies to use reasonable resources to support the enforcement of federal immigration law; prohibit policies which would restrict the sharing of information with federal immigration agencies; require compliance with federal requirements when a defendant subject to an immigration detainer has been sentenced in a criminal case; require correctional facilities to provide information regarding the date of discharge to federal immigration agencies and cooperate in the transfer of an inmate to federal custody; require completion of a sentence before an inmate may be transferred to federal custody in cases where the inmate is a violent offender; require a law enforcement agency to provide notice to a judge if a person in their custody is subject to an immigration detainer; require counties to endeavor to enter into agreements with federal immigration agencies regarding the housing of persons in county jails who are subject to immigration detainers; create a rebuttable presumption that a state or local officer who intentionally violates any of the provisions has committed malfeasance and neglect of duty and is subject to impeachment; allow the Attorney General to make findings that a local government has violated the Act; and to withhold road aid funding if the local government willfully violates the Act by refusing to cease a violation; create a private right of action against an official that has adopted a sanctuary policy; waive immunities when a person is injured by a person released as a result of a sanctuary policy; amend KRS 177.360 and 177.366 to require county road aid moneys be suspended upon notice by the Attorney General of willful violations by a local government and reinstated upon notice by the Attorney General of compliance; provide that the Act may be cited as the Lawful Immigration System Act of 2025.
AI Summary
This bill establishes comprehensive guidelines for how state and local government entities in Kentucky must handle immigration-related law enforcement. The legislation prohibits "sanctuary policies" that would limit cooperation with federal immigration agencies, and requires law enforcement agencies to use all reasonable resources to support federal immigration law enforcement. Key provisions include mandating that law enforcement agencies: share information with federal immigration agencies, comply with immigration detainers, notify judges when a person in custody is subject to an immigration detainer, and assist federal agencies in identifying and potentially transferring individuals subject to immigration actions. The bill creates significant consequences for non-compliance, including potential impeachment of officers who intentionally violate the law, suspension of road aid funding for non-compliant local governments, and a new private right of action for victims if a person released under a sanctuary policy subsequently commits a violent crime. The legislation also provides protections for crime victims and witnesses, ensuring that their immigration status will not be shared if they are cooperating with investigations. Notably, the bill creates specific definitions for terms like "immigration detainer" and "sanctuary policy" and applies to a wide range of government entities, from local police departments to state correctional facilities. The act is titled the "Lawful Immigration System Act of 2025" and aims to increase cooperation between state and local agencies and federal immigration enforcement.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (6)
Jared Bauman (R)*,
Josh Calloway (R),
Peyton Griffee (R),
Chris Lewis (R),
Jason Nemes (R),
T.J. Roberts (R),
Last Action
to Local Government (H) (on 02/07/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/25RS/hb344.html |
| BillText | https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/recorddocuments/bill/25RS/hb344/orig_bill.pdf |
| Corrections Impact | https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/recorddocuments/note/25RS/hb344/CI.pdf |
| Local Mandate Fiscal Impact | https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/recorddocuments/note/25RS/hb344/LM.pdf |
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