WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

H 11

IMMIGRATION – Adds to existing law to provide for crimes regarding illegal entry into this state, to provide for an order to return to a foreign nation, and to provide for civil immunity for and indemnification of local government and state officials, employees, and contractors regarding immigration.

68th Legislature, 1st Regular Session (2025)

House Bill H 11 strengthens Idaho's immigration enforcement by creating new crimes for illegal entry, protecting officials from liability, and ensuring prosecutions continue.

Reported Printed and Referred to State Affairs
#cities #civilactions #counties #courts #criminaloffensesandprocedures #federallawsandrelations #government #homelandsecurity #immigrationandimmigrants #internationalrelations
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 11

Summary of House Bill H 11: Immigration Enforcement Legislation

Purpose and Intent

House Bill H 11 aims to strengthen immigration enforcement within the state of Idaho by establishing new criminal offenses related to illegal entry and presence, as well as providing legal protections for state and local officials involved in immigration enforcement actions. The bill seeks to address illegal immigration by defining specific crimes and procedures for handling individuals who violate immigration laws.

Key Provisions

The bill introduces several significant changes to existing Idaho law, including:

New Criminal Offenses

  1. Illegal Entry from a Foreign Nation:

    • Defines illegal entry as entering or attempting to enter Idaho from a foreign nation at any location other than a lawful port of entry.
    • First-time offenders face misdemeanor charges, while subsequent offenses are classified as felonies.

  2. Illegal Reentry by Certain Aliens:

    • Criminalizes the act of entering or being found in Idaho after being denied admission, deported, or removed from the United States.
    • Similar to illegal entry, first offenses are misdemeanors, with felonies for repeat offenders under specific circumstances.

  3. Refusal to Comply with an Order to Return:

    • Establishes penalties for aliens who refuse to comply with a judicial order to return to their country of origin after being charged with immigration-related offenses.
    • Violations are classified as felonies.

Legal Protections for Officials

  • The bill provides civil immunity and indemnification for local and state officials, employees, and contractors involved in the enforcement of these immigration laws. This means they cannot be held liable for actions taken in the course of enforcing the provisions of this bill.

Prohibition on Abatement of Prosecution

  • Courts are prohibited from halting prosecutions based on pending immigration status determinations, ensuring that legal proceedings can continue regardless of federal immigration actions.

Fiscal Impact

The implementation of this legislation is projected to require:
- An FY25 Supplemental appropriation of $250,000.
- A $1 million FY26 General Fund appropriation to support enforcement and related activities.
- Counties will be eligible to apply for reimbursements for costs associated with the relocation or housing of individuals affected by these provisions.

Affected Parties

  • Aliens: Individuals who are not U.S. citizens and are found to be in violation of the new laws.
  • Local and State Officials: Law enforcement and government employees who will be tasked with enforcing these new immigration laws and will benefit from the provided legal protections.
  • Judicial System: Courts will have new responsibilities regarding the processing of immigration-related offenses.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was introduced on January 14, 2025, and has been reported printed and referred to the State Affairs Committee as of January 15, 2025.
  • The legislation is classified under various subjects, including immigration, criminal offenses, and civil actions.

Conclusion

House Bill H 11 represents a significant shift in Idaho's approach to immigration enforcement, introducing new criminal offenses and providing legal protections for officials involved in enforcement actions. The bill aims to deter illegal immigration while ensuring that state and local officials can operate without fear of legal repercussions.

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

Sign in to ask a question.