There are three bills that we will be supporting during this legislative session. They are:

Protecting Sensitive Locations Act. (HB 1006 / SB 828) As you may know, in 2011 The U.S. Department of Homeland Security issue a memorandum proscribing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from entering “sensitive locations” or “safe spaces” such as schools, hospitals, churches. On January 21, 2025, President Trump rescinded this memo, now allowing ICE agents to enter these facilities. The proposed state bill directs the Maryland Attorney General to develop guidelines for hospitals and other medical facilities, schools and educational spaces, courthouses and places of worship about how to respond to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement attempts to access these locations. Introduced as an Emergency Bill which means that upon passage by the General Assembly the Governor must sign it within a specific time frame and the bill will be scheduled for early enactment. To take action to encourage your lawmakers to support this bill, visit our UU Legislative Ministry of Maryland Take Action Page and scroll down to the Immigration Section

Values Act (HB 1222) (Ending 287g Agreements.) This bill will terminate 287g Agreements, also known as Intergovernmental Service Agreements between ICE and local law enforcement agencies that “deputize” local law enforcement officers to serve, in effect, as ICE agents. Three counties – Cecil, Fredrick and Harford – have 287g agreements. This bill seeks to end these agreements. Immigration enforcement is a Federal responsibility and Federal, not state or county resources should be used for this purpose. To take action to encourage your lawmakers to support this bill, visit our UU Legislative Ministry of Maryland Take Action Page and scroll down to the Immigration Section

 

Data Privacy (HB 1431 / SB 977). Several years ago, we successfully barred the MVA from sharing data with ICE. Unfortunately, ICE may still obtain data about citizenship status from other state agencies, including hospitals, educational institutions. Immigrant families should be able to access critical government services without worrying that their information will be shared with federal immigration authorities. This bill will prevent ICE from accessing state or local databases without a judicial warrant. To take action to encourage your lawmakers to support this bill, visit our UU Legislative Ministry of Maryland Take Action Page and scroll down to the Immigration Section

Additionally, we previously asked you to support the Dream Act Expansion (HB207/SB268) that reduced the tax year eligibility requirements for Dreamers’ parents and guardians from three years to two years for in-state tuition. Thank you for your support. Visit the UULMMD Take Action Page to contact your legislator.

We also asked you to oppose HB85, the Rachel Morin Act that effectively ends all sanctuary policies in MD and requires state participation in the enforcement of Federal immigration laws. Again, thank you for your support in opposing this bill. Visit the UULMMD Take Action Page to contact your legislator.