Bill Summary
The "Law Enforcement Solidarity Act" is legislation aimed at penalizing jurisdictions that impose restrictions on cooperation with federal law enforcement agencies. The key provisions of the Act include:
1. **Eligibility for Federal Funds**: Starting 60 days after the Act's enactment, jurisdictions identified by the Attorney General as having law enforcement cooperation restrictions will not be eligible for certain federal funds. This includes funds intended for services such as food, shelter, healthcare, legal assistance, and transportation for undocumented individuals.
2. **Annual Reporting Requirement**: The Attorney General is tasked with submitting an annual report to Congress detailing jurisdictions that have these cooperation restrictions. The first report is due one year after the enactment of the Act.
3. **Definitions**: The Act defines "jurisdiction with law enforcement cooperation restrictions" as any state or local government entity that has laws or policies preventing cooperation with federal authorities. It also clarifies the definitions of terms related to immigration and federal law enforcement officers.
Overall, the legislation seeks to encourage local jurisdictions to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement by restricting their access to federal funding if they do not comply.
Possible Impacts
The "Law Enforcement Solidarity Act" could affect people in several ways, including:
1. **Reduced Access to Essential Services for Undocumented Individuals**: Jurisdictions that enact policies limiting cooperation with federal law enforcement would lose federal funding. This could lead to cuts in essential services like healthcare, shelter, and legal assistance for undocumented immigrants. As a result, these individuals may struggle to access necessary resources, which could exacerbate health and safety issues within these communities.
2. **Increased Tensions Between Local Authorities and Immigrant Communities**: The act may create a climate of fear among undocumented immigrants, who might avoid seeking help from local law enforcement due to concerns about potential federal enforcement actions. This could hinder public safety efforts, as vulnerable populations may be less likely to report crimes or cooperate with investigations, leading to an overall decrease in community safety.
3. **Economic Impact on Local Jurisdictions**: By restricting access to federal funds, local governments may face budgetary constraints that impact a variety of programs beyond those serving undocumented immigrants. This could lead to layoffs or reduced services for all residents, thereby impacting public services such as education, transportation, and public safety, creating broader economic challenges for the community as a whole.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 3081 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 3081
To provide that jurisdictions with law enforcement cooperation
restrictions are ineligible for certain Federal funds, and for other
purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
April 29, 2025
Ms. Tenney introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
Committee on the Judiciary
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To provide that jurisdictions with law enforcement cooperation
restrictions are ineligible for certain Federal funds, and for other
purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Law Enforcement Solidarity Act''.
SEC. 2. JURISDICTIONS WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT COOPERATION RESTRICTIONS
INELIGIBLE FOR CERTAIN FEDERAL FUNDS.
Beginning in the first fiscal year that begins after the date that
is 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, for a fiscal year
during which the Attorney General determines that a jurisdiction is a
jurisdiction with law enforcement cooperation restrictions, such
jurisdiction is ineligible to receive any Federal funds that such
jurisdiction intends to use for the benefit (including the provision of
food, shelter, healthcare services, legal services, and transportation)
of aliens who are present in the United States without lawful status
under the immigration laws.
SEC. 3. REPORT ON JURISDICTION WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT COOPERATION
RESTRICTIONS.
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, and
annually thereafter, the Attorney General shall submit to the Committee
on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives and the Committee on
the Judiciary of the Senate a report that includes a list of each
jurisdiction that the Attorney General determines is a jurisdiction
with law enforcement cooperation restrictions.
SEC. 4. DEFINITIONS.
For purposes of this Act:
(1) the term ``jurisdiction with law enforcement
cooperation restrictions'' means any State or political
subdivision of a State that has in effect a statute, ordinance,
policy, or practice that prohibits or restricts any government
entity or official from assisting, aiding, cooperating with,
providing back-up to, or responding to a call made by a Federal
law enforcement officer.
(2) The terms ``alien'' and ``immigration laws'' have the
meanings given such term in section 101 of the Immigration and
Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101).
(3) The term ``Federal law enforcement officer'' has the
meaning given such term in section 115(c)(1) of title 18,
United States Code, and includes such an officer employed by
the Department of Homeland Security.
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