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HB 4480

Relating to the authority of certain health care facilities to cooperate with officers engaged in immigration-related duties.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Armando Walle

Texas bill authorizes health care facilities to voluntarily cooperate with immigration enforcement officers conducting immigration-related activities on premises.

Referred to Public Health
#aliens(i0032) #hospitals(i0400) #immigrationlaw(s0674) #lawenforcement(i0510)
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Bill Summary · HB 4480

Legislative bill overview

HB 4480 would authorize certain health care facilities in Texas to cooperate with immigration enforcement officers in carrying out immigration-related duties. The bill expands the discretionary authority of healthcare providers to assist with immigration enforcement activities within their facilities.

Why is this important

This bill directly affects the relationship between healthcare institutions and immigration enforcement, potentially impacting immigrant access to medical care. It raises questions about patient confidentiality, trust in healthcare systems, and whether medical facilities should be venues for immigration enforcement operations.

Potential points of contention

  • Patient privacy and confidentiality concerns: Healthcare facilities may become sites where immigration status is disclosed or individuals are detained, potentially deterring undocumented immigrants from seeking necessary medical care
  • Healthcare mission conflict: Medical institutions traditionally operate under duty-to-care principles that may conflict with enforcement cooperation, potentially compromising the therapeutic relationship
  • Scope of "cooperation" undefined: The bill's language regarding what cooperation entails is vague, leaving unclear what facilities can or must do, and what legal protections apply to healthcare workers and patients

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

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