WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 1323

Health care providers: patient access: immigration enforcement.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Celeste Rodriguez

SB 1323 strengthens protections by restricting immigration enforcement in nonpublic hospital areas, requiring clear access rules, staff guidance, and posted notices.

From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 9. Noes 3.) (June 23). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
#healthcareproviders #immigrationenforcement #patientaccess
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 1323

Summary of SB 1323 (Session 2025-2026) – California Health Care Providers: Patient Access: Immigration Enforcement

Purpose and intent

SB 1323, introduced by Senator Rubio, aims to strengthen protections for patients and health care facility operations by clarifying and expanding restrictions on immigration enforcement access to health care provider (HCP) sites and nonpublic areas. The bill also requires facilities to establish procedures for responding to immigration-related requests and to inform staff and volunteers about handling such requests, including those involving individuals in lawful custody. The Legislature expresses the intent to enact legislation relating to hospitals.

Key provisions and changes

  • Nonpublic areas and access control (Health and Safety Code sections 24250, 24251):

    • Requires health care provider entities to designate nonpublic areas where treatment occurs or where protected health information is discussed, using methods such as mapping, signage, or policy.
    • Prohibits access to nonpublic areas for immigration enforcement purposes unless the requester has a valid judicial warrant or court order granting specific access.
    • Requires that denial of access to nonpublic areas be witnessed and documented by at least one HCP staff member, to the extent possible.

  • Procedures and staff guidance:

    • HCPs must inform staff and relevant volunteers on how to respond to immigration enforcement requests that grant access to facilities or patients.
    • HCPs must inform staff and volunteers on how to respond to requests by persons in lawful immigration custody to notify a family member or designated support person about the detainee’s current location.

  • Monitoring and notices:

    • HCPs must establish or amend procedures for monitoring, documenting, and receiving visitors in a manner consistent with the bill’s privacy and access protections.
    • The bill moves from an encouraged practice to a requirement that facilities post a “notice to authorities” at facility entrances, reflecting a stricter stance on informing visitors and authorities.

  • Local fiscal implications (state-mandated local program):

    • If the bill creates new duties for local jurisdictions (counties, cities, etc.), it would be a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution provides reimbursement mechanisms for costs mandated by the state, and the Commission on State Mandates would determine applicable reimbursements.

  • Administrative references:

    • The bill interacts with existing Health and Safety Code provisions governing hospital licensing and regulation by the California Department of Public Health.

Who is affected

  • Health care provider entities (hospitals and other facilities) and their staff, administration, and legal counsel.
  • Volunteers and other personnel working within health care facilities.
  • Potentially, local governments where facilities operate, if new duties impose local costs.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • The bill was amended and read multiple times in 2025-2026 and advanced through committees (RLS, HEALTH, JUD). As of the latest action, it was scheduled for a hearing in April 2026.
  • If enacted, the changes would become part of the Health and Safety Code provisions governing hospital operations and visitor management.

Bottom line

SB 1323 strengthens guardrails against immigration enforcement intruding into nonpublic hospital spaces, formalizes procedures for handling enforcement requests, and requires more explicit notices and staff guidance. It imposes tighter controls on access to nonpublic areas and mandates clearer communication protocols for staff and volunteers, with potential local cost implications if local agencies bear new duties.

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

Sign in to ask a question.