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H 473

An act relating to the reintroduction of catamounts to the State of Vermont

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Sarita Austin

Idaho law enforcement must pursue a 287(g) MOA with ICE, enabling federal immigration enforcement by local officers, or publicly justify/outline alternatives.

Read first time and referred to the Committee on Environment
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 473

Summary of Idaho House Bill 473 (H 473)

What the bill does (purpose and intent)

  • Establishes a mandatory requirement for Idaho law enforcement agencies to seek a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under the 287(g) framework.
  • Aims to authorize or participate in federal immigration enforcement activities through state or local officers, either as jail enforcement officers, warrant service officers, or both.
  • Requires agencies that cannot enter into an MOA to publicly explain why and describe efforts to pursue alternative cooperation with ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO).

Key provisions

  • Section 19-626 adds new provisions to Chapter 6, Title 19, Idaho Code:

    • Definitions:
    • Enforcement and removal operations: ICE division handling identification, arrest, detention, and removal of aliens subject to removal or unlawfully present.
    • Immigration and customs enforcement: the federal agency responsible for border control, customs, trade, and immigration enforcement.
    • Law enforcement agency: any Idaho state, county, or local police entity (including state police, municipal police, and county sheriff’s departments).
    • Section 287(g) memorandum of agreement: the federal mechanism allowing delegation of certain immigration enforcement functions to state/local officers under federal oversight.
    • Agency obligations (subsection 2):
    • Each Idaho law enforcement agency must apply for a 287(g) MOA with ICE.
    • Applications should be coordinated through the nearest ERO filed office if necessary.
    • Agencies may participate as a jail enforcement officer, a warrant service officer, or both, and must participate in any future program or successor to an existing program.
    • Disclosure if MOA is not possible (subsection 3):
    • Agencies that cannot enter into an MOA must publish a statement detailing the reasons and any efforts to establish alternative cooperation with ICE ERO.

  • Section 2 creates an emergency clause and declares the act to be in full force and effect on July 1, 2025.

Who is affected

  • All Idaho law enforcement agencies, including:
    • Idaho State Police
    • Municipal police departments
    • County sheriff’s offices
  • These agencies would be required to pursue and/or participate in 287(g) MOAs with ICE (or provide a public justification if not able to enter into an agreement).

Timeline and procedural aspects

  • Introduction date: April 1, 2025.
  • Administrative action: Referred to Joint Rules, Administrative Oversight, and Printing (JRA) for printing; subsequently reported printed and filed.
  • Effective date: July 1, 2025 (emergency clause).

Fiscal impact

  • Fiscal note states: No net change in revenue or expenditures at the state or local level; no fiscal impact anticipated.

Practical considerations

  • The bill formalizes a pathway for local law enforcement to engage in certain ICE immigration enforcement activities under 287(g) with federal oversight.
  • Requires public transparency from agencies unable to participate by sharing reasons and alternative cooperation efforts.
  • Establishes an urgent effective date, signaling immediate implementation considerations for Idaho agencies upon passage.

Sponsorship

  • Primary sponsor: Representative Hawkins.

This summary provides the substantive provisions and potential effects of H 473, focusing on what the bill would require, who it affects, and the timeline for implementation.

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

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