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HB 1513

Public Schools - School Security Personnel - Prohibition of Immigration Investigation and Enforcement Functions

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Vanessa Atterbeary and 11 co-sponsors

Maryland bill prohibits school security personnel from conducting immigration investigations or enforcement, protecting immigrant students' access to education and school safety reporting.

Hearing 3/11 at 1:00 p.m.
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Bill Summary · HB 1513

Legislative bill overview

HB 1513 prohibits school security personnel employed by Maryland public schools from conducting immigration investigations or enforcement activities. The bill restricts these employees from using school premises, facilities, or equipment to enforce immigration law, and prevents them from cooperating with federal immigration authorities in their official capacity at schools.

Why is this important

This bill addresses concerns about creating a "trust barrier" between immigrant families and schools, where fear of immigration enforcement may prevent students from attending classes or reporting safety issues. School security personnel conducting immigration work could undermine school safety missions and create chilling effects on school attendance and cooperation with school authorities.

Potential points of contention

  • Balance between school safety and immigration enforcement: Supporters argue schools should be sanctuary spaces for learning; opponents may contend that restricting any law enforcement cooperation compromises public safety protocols and federal law compliance
  • Scope and enforceability: Questions remain about how broadly "immigration investigation and enforcement functions" is defined and whether prohibitions on school grounds adequately address off-campus coordination or information sharing
  • Liability and jurisdictional issues: Unclear whether schools could face liability if security personnel violate the prohibition, and how federal immigration authorities' access to school facilities would be managed under this restriction

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

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