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HB 307

PUBLIC ASSISTANCE: Requires that individuals requesting public assistance who are not United States citizens be reported to United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (EN INCREASE GF EX See Note)

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Chance Henry

Louisiana requires public assistance agencies to report non-citizen applicants to ICE, potentially discouraging benefit access among mixed-status households and increasing deportation risk.

Signed by the Governor. Becomes Act No. 351.
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Bill Summary · HB 307

Legislative bill overview

HB 307 requires Louisiana public assistance agencies to report non-citizen applicants to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The bill became law on August 1, 2025, and applies to individuals seeking benefits through the state's public assistance programs.

Why is this important

This law directly affects access to social safety net programs for undocumented immigrants and creates mandatory reporting obligations for state welfare administrators. It creates potential conflicts with federal immigration enforcement priorities and raises questions about whether eligible mixed-status households will apply for benefits due to fear of deportation.

Potential points of contention

  • Chilling effect on benefits access: Eligible U.S. citizen family members (including children) in mixed-status households may avoid applying for assistance out of fear that relatives will be reported and deported, potentially increasing child poverty.
  • Administrative burden and cost: State agencies must implement reporting systems and may face legal challenges, creating implementation expenses despite the "GF EX" notation suggesting general fund impact concerns.
  • Conflict with federal policy: Some federal benefit programs (like SNAP and Medicaid) have different eligibility rules for immigrants; this law may create conflicting state-federal enforcement frameworks and legal uncertainty.

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

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