In a significant move aimed at bolstering legal protections for immigrants, Governor Pritzker enacted HB 1312 on Tuesday. The signing ceremony took place at La Villita Community Church, located at 2300 S Millard Street in Chicago.
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The newly signed legislation is designed to provide immigrants in Illinois with the assurance that they can safely attend court proceedings, safeguard their health records, engage in university activities, and access childcare services without the looming threat of intensive civil immigration enforcement.
The governor’s office highlighted several key components of the bill:
One pivotal measure is the Illinois Bivens Act, which empowers individuals to pursue civil legal actions against law enforcement officers who knowingly infringe upon the Illinois or United States Constitution.
Additionally, the bill includes the Court Access, Safety, and Participation Act. This provision specifically prohibits the civil arrest of individuals in and around courthouses if they are present for certain state court proceedings.
Overall, these legislative changes represent a commitment to creating a more secure and equitable environment for immigrants residing in Illinois. The goal is to alleviate fears and promote inclusivity, ensuring that the state’s immigrant communities can integrate and participate fully in society without fear of unwarranted legal repercussions.
-The Health Care Sanctity & Privacy Law, preventing the unlawful release of protected health information. All general acute care hospitals must implement a policy regarding interactions with law enforcement agents by January 1; and all other hospitals by March 1.
-An amendment to the Public Higher Education Act requires Illinois schools to submit procedures to approve requests from law enforcement agents attempting to enter campus by January 1, 2026.
-An amendment to the Child Care Act prohibits day care centers from sharing immigration status a child or associated person, unless required by law.
The new bill comes as federal immigration enforcement continues throughout the state.
HB 1312 took effect immediately after Pritzker signed the bill.
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