California lawmakers push to restrict immigration actions at schools and hospitals

"Responding to the Trump administration's aggressive and unceasing immigration raids in Southern California, state lawmakers this week began strengthening protections for immigrants in schools, hospitals and other areas targeted by federal agents. The Democratic-led California Legislature is considering nearly a dozen bills aimed at shielding immigrants who are in the country illegally, including helping children of families being ripped apart in the enforcement actions. "Californians want smart, sensible solutions and we want safe communities," said Assemblymember Christopher Ward (D-San Diego). "They do not want peaceful neighbors ripped out of schools, ripped out of hospitals, ripped out of their workplaces.""

"Earlier this week, lawmakers passed two bills focused on protecting schoolchildren. Senate Bill 98, authored by Sen. Sasha Renée Peréz (D-Alhambra), would require school administrators to notify families and students if federal agents conduct immigration operations on a K-12 or college campus. Legislation introduced by Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi (D-Rolling Hills Estates), AB 49, would bar immigration agents from nonpublic areas of a school unless they had a judicial warrant or court order."

"It also would bar school districts from providing information about pupils, their families, teachers and school employees to immigration authorities without a warrant. A separate bill by Sen. Jesse Arreguín (D-Berkeley), SB 81, would bar healthcare officials from disclosing a patient's immigration status or birthplace, or giving access to nonpublic spaces in hospitals and clinics, to immigration authorities without a search warrant or court order. All three bills now head to Gov. Gavin Newsom for his consideration. If signed into law, the legislation would take effect immediately."

California lawmakers are considering nearly a dozen bills to shield undocumented immigrants from federal immigration enforcement in response to aggressive raids in Southern California. Two school-focused bills passed: SB 98 would require administrators to notify families and students of on-campus federal immigration operations; AB 49 would bar agents from nonpublic school areas without a judicial warrant or court order and prohibit school districts from sharing pupil, family, teacher or employee information without a warrant. SB 81 would prohibit healthcare officials from disclosing a patient's immigration status or birthplace or granting access to nonpublic hospital spaces without a warrant. All three bills now await Gov. Gavin Newsom's consideration and would take effect immediately if signed.

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