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HB 6157

AN ACT PROHIBITING THE APPOINTMENT OF COUNSEL BY THE OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OR ANY OTHER STATE AGENCY FOR UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS DURING DEPORTATION PROCEEDINGS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Anne Dauphinais and 1 co-sponsor

Connecticut bill bars state attorneys general and agencies from providing legal counsel to undocumented immigrants in federal deportation proceedings.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Judiciary
#attorneygeneral #deportation #stateagencies
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Bill Summary · HB 6157

Legislative bill overview

HB 6157 would prohibit the Connecticut Attorney General's office and other state agencies from appointing or providing legal counsel to undocumented immigrants facing federal deportation proceedings. This represents a significant restriction on state-funded legal representation in immigration cases.

Why is this important

Legal representation in immigration proceedings directly affects deportation outcomes—individuals without counsel face substantially higher deportation rates. This bill would prevent state resources from assisting a vulnerable population at a critical juncture, while potentially shifting costs to private legal aid organizations already stretched thin.

Potential points of contention

  • Constitutional questions: Critics argue it may conflict with due process protections and equal protection principles, particularly given the complexity of immigration law requiring specialized expertise
  • Fiscal and humanitarian trade-offs: Supporters contend state funds shouldn't support non-citizens in federal proceedings; opponents counter that legal representation reduces costly prolonged detention and improves case outcomes
  • Enforcement scope and practical impact: Ambiguity about whether this applies only to direct appointment or also indirect assistance, and whether private organizations receiving any state funding are also restricted

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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