RELATING TO IMMIGRATION DETENTION FACILITIES.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Henry Aquino and 2 co-sponsors

Bill SB 794 prohibits immigration detention facilities on state and county lands, promoting humane treatment of immigrants and protecting public resources from misuse.

Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.

#blnr #dlnr #immigrationdetentionfacility #prohibition #publicland #stateandcountyagencies

Purpose and Intent

Bill SB 794 aims to address the use of public land for immigration detention facilities in the state. The primary intent of the bill is to prohibit the establishment and operation of such facilities on state and county-owned lands, reflecting a commitment to human rights and the humane treatment of individuals in immigration proceedings.

Key Provisions

Prohibition on Immigration Detention Facilities: The bill explicitly prohibits the construction and operation of immigration detention facilities on public lands managed by state and county agencies.

Scope of Application: This prohibition applies to all state and county lands, ensuring that no public resources are utilized for the purpose of detaining individuals based on their immigration status.

Regulatory Oversight: The bill may establish guidelines for the management and oversight of existing facilities, ensuring compliance with humane treatment standards, although specific details on this aspect are not provided in the current version.

Affected Parties

State and County Agencies: The bill directly impacts state and county agencies responsible for land management and immigration enforcement.

Immigrants and Detainees: Individuals facing immigration proceedings would benefit from the prohibition, as it aims to reduce the number of detention facilities and promote alternative approaches to immigration enforcement.

Community Organizations: Advocacy groups focused on immigration rights and social justice may find support in this legislation, as it aligns with their goals of protecting vulnerable populations.

Procedural Timeline

Introduced: January 17, 2025

First Reading: January 21, 2025

Referred to Committees: Initially referred to WTL/EIG and then re-referred to WTL, JDC on January 23 and January 27, 2025, respectively.

Current Status: As of the latest action, the bill is under consideration by the WTL (Water and Land) and JDC (Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs) committees.

Conclusion

Bill SB 794 represents a significant legislative effort to redefine the use of public land in relation to immigration detention. By prohibiting the establishment of such facilities, the bill seeks to promote humane treatment of immigrants and align state policies with broader human rights standards. The ongoing legislative process will determine the final provisions and potential impacts of this bill.

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