Bill > H2309

This bill aims to prohibit cities and towns (referred to as "political subdivisions") from creating policies that limit or prevent local employees from cooperating with federal immigration enforcement. Specifically, the bill would require local government employees to: 1) inquire about immigration status when an individual is lawfully detained or arrested, 2) share immigration status information with federal authorities, 3) assist federal immigration officers, and 4) allow federal immigration officers to enter and conduct enforcement activities in local government facilities. The bill defines key terms such as "illegal immigrant" (a non-citizen not lawfully present in the US) and establishes a penalty system for non-compliant jurisdictions. If a city or town fails to follow these requirements, the attorney general, a district attorney, or police chief can file a legal action, and the Department of Revenue will reduce the municipality's unrestricted government aid payments. The financial penalty varies based on the population size of the political subdivision, ranging from $2,000 to $15,000 per day of non-compliance. The legislation effectively seeks to prevent "sanctuary" policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement efforts.

Government Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2309