Bill > H0298

This bill aims to restrict the Vermont Department of Corrections' cooperation with federal immigration authorities by establishing clear limitations on how the department can interact with immigration enforcement. The bill's intent is to protect immigrant communities and ensure equal treatment under the law by preventing the department from assisting federal immigration authorities except when absolutely required by federal law. Specifically, the bill prohibits the department from contacting immigration authorities based on an individual's race, ethnicity, national origin, or immigration status, and prevents prolonging detentions to investigate immigration status. The department is also barred from detaining or transferring individuals to immigration authorities without a judicial warrant, and must submit annual reports to legislative committees detailing any requests for assistance from federal immigration authorities. Additionally, the bill requires the department to develop training programs for personnel, establish protocols for handling immigration-related inquiries, and create penalties for employees who do not comply with these restrictions. The legislation mandates that the department terminate existing agreements with federal immigration authorities within 30 days of the act's passage and provide a comprehensive report on current cooperation arrangements, reflecting Vermont's commitment to protecting immigrant residents and limiting collaboration with federal immigration enforcement.

Justice

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.298