Informing the Legislature that on June 25, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB1870 HD2 SD1 CD1 (ACT 162).

2026 Regular Session

Protects designated community locations by limiting immigration enforcement, requiring clear policies, multilingual notices, annual training, and restricted data collection.

Received.

#act162

Summary of Bill: HB 1870, CD1 (Act 162) – Relating to Protected Community Locations

A. Purpose and intent

The bill aims to preserve safe, accessible spaces in public and community facilities by limiting collaboration with federal immigration enforcement at designated locations.

It responds to changes in federal guidance (January 2025) that rescinded protections for “sensitive” or “protected” areas, creating potential chill effects and uncertainty around access to essential services.

The Act requires state and county agencies operating protected community locations to adopt policies to safeguard these spaces and inform the public that services are available regardless of immigration status.

B. Key provisions and changes

Policy adoption and posting by January 1, 2027

All state and county agencies that operate protected community locations must:
- Identify nonpublic areas within facilities.
- Establish procedures for warrant verification and staff response.
- Prohibit collection of immigration-status data unless legally required.
- Require annual staff training on these policies.
- Provide multilingual notices stating that services are available regardless of immigration status.

Model policies published by the Attorney General

The Attorney General must publish model policies to be adopted by all relevant state and county agencies.
Private entities (educational or health providers, and places of worship) may voluntarily adopt these policies.

Definitions

“Nonpublic area” = areas not open to the general public.
“Protected community location” = facilities operated by the State or a county.

Constitutional and funding notes

The Act is deemed statewide in scope.
It does not restrict the University of Hawaii from complying with federal contractor certifications or other federal funding conditions.

Effective date

The Act takes effect upon the Governor’s approval (June 25, 2026).

C. Who is affected

State and county agencies operating protected community locations (e.g., schools, healthcare settings, libraries, shelters, places of worship, and similar community spaces).

Public employees and staff at these facilities (requiring training and policy adherence).

Private education or health providers and private places of worship may voluntarily adopt the policies, influenced by the AG’s model policies.

D. Procedural and timeline details

Governor signed into law on June 25, 2026; Act 162.

By January 1, 2027:

Agencies must adopt and post policies as required.
The Attorney General must publish model policies for broad adoption.

The Act emphasizes ongoing compliance through annual staff training and public multilingual notices.

E. Practical impact

Aims to maintain these locations as safe, welcoming spaces with clear protections against immigration enforcement actions in nonpublic areas.

Enhances transparency by clarifying warrant procedures and limiting data collection on immigration status.

Promotes multilingual communication to inform all residents about available services.

May influence agency protocols during encounters with law enforcement or immigration authorities in protected locations.

This summary reflects the bill’s stated objectives, provisions, affected entities, and key timelines as enacted.