MD HB579

Federal law enforcement officers must notify local police chiefs, sheriffs, or relevant authorities when conducting federal immigration enforcement actions at sensitive locations (public schools, libraries, health care facilities, shelters, and places of worship)

Reduces the timeframe for certifying entities to process U Visa certification requests from 90 days to 30 days for standard cases, and from 14 days to 7 days when the victim faces removal, exclusion, or deportation proceedings

Expands who may request U Visa certification to include the victim's attorney, victim advocate, or other representative, in addition to parents, guardians, and next friends

Requires the Attorney General to develop and publish guidance on immigration enforcement at sensitive locations, covering topics such as public safety, identity verification of agents, liability limitations for institutions, and coordination between federal and local law enforcement

Establishes no statute of limitations for when qualifying criminal activity occurred relative to U Visa certification requests and requires certifying entities to develop protocols to assist petitioners with limited English proficiency