0E8F26C8FC740668872583CA00761DBF Hearing Summary

The committee recessed.

The committee came back to order.

Representative Benavidez introduced HB19-1124 concerning protecting Colorado's right to be free from certain federal mandates.  The bill prohibits a department, agency, board, commission, or officer or employee of the state or a political subdivision of the state from using public funds or resources to assist in the enforcement of federal civil immigration laws.  A state employee or employee of a political subdivision may assist federal immigration authorities in the execution of a warrant issued by a federal judge or magistrate or honoring any writ issued by any state or federal judge concerning the transfer of a prisoner to or from federal custody.  The state or a political subdivision of the state may not enter into any contractual agreement that would require an employee to directly or indirectly assist in the enforcement of federal immigration laws.  Federal immigration authorities are prohibited from accessing secure areas of any city or county jail or other law enforcement facility in conducting investigative interviews or other purposes related to enforcing federal civil immigration laws, unless federal immigration authorities present a warrant issued by a federal judge or magistrate.  Law enforcement officers are prohibited from arresting or detaining an individual solely on a civil immigration detainer.  The sponsor and chair of the committee suggested that the bill be referred to the House State, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee. 

The committee made comments about the bill.