HB376 Summary

• Creates the "Laken Riley Act" authorizing state and local law enforcement agencies to enter into agreements with federal agencies to enforce federal immigration laws, arrest illegal aliens, and transport them to federal custody.

• Requires state and local government employees to send, receive, and maintain immigration status information as needed for public safety purposes and prohibits agencies from being blocked from using federal resources for immigration enforcement.

• Establishes procedures for county and municipal jails to determine the immigration status of inmates, including contacting federal agencies and honoring immigration detainer requests issued by ICE, with inmates held no longer than 48 hours unless a federal judge or magistrate signs the warrant.

• Mandates quarterly reports by jails to be posted on jail and state law enforcement agency websites detailing the number of foreign national inmates, immigration inquiries, detainers issued, and lawful entry information.

• Establishes criminal penalties for violations, including Class A misdemeanor for first violations and Class C felony for subsequent violations by jail staff, with the bill becoming effective June 1, 2024.