New York Assembly Bill A03506

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/28/25
• Refer: 1/28/25
• Refer: 1/7/26

Caption

Prohibits and regulates the discovery and disclosure of immigration status; prohibits police officers, peace officers, school resource officers, probation agencies, state entities, state employees, and municipal corporations from questioning individuals regarding their citizenship or immigration status; regulates the disclosure of information relating to immigration status; prohibits an educational agency, higher education agency, school employee, school safety personnel, or third-party contractor from collecting information about a person's citizenship, immigration status, nationality, or country of origin, unless required by law or necessary to administer a public program or benefit sought by such person.

Impact

The implications of A03506 on state laws are substantial. By explicitly restricting local corporations and their employees from using resources to support immigration enforcement, the bill envisions a protectionist framework around individuals' immigration statuses, thereby prioritizing community safety for immigrants. With these regulations in place, local agencies will focus more on public safety and community engagement rather than immigration enforcement, which some advocates argue could enhance community trust in local law enforcement agencies. Conversely, critics may argue that this could hinder cooperation with federal agencies and complicate law enforcement operations.

Summary

Bill A03506 seeks to amend various laws in New York State regarding the discovery and disclosure of immigration status. Specifically, it prohibits police officers, peace officers, school resource officers, and municipal employees from questioning individuals about their immigration status. The bill further regulates the disclosure of such information, aiming to ensure that local law enforcement does not participate in federal immigration enforcement activities. This introduces a significant change to how local resources are allocated and utilized in relation to immigration matters, placing strict limitations on the extent to which they can be used for immigration enforcement purposes.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding A03506 revolve around the balance of local versus federal authority in immigration matters. Supporters claim that the bill is a necessary safeguard against potential discrimination and misuse of local law enforcement resources, amplifying civil rights protections for immigrants. Detractors, on the other hand, express concerns that limiting law enforcement's engagement in immigration issues could lead to challenges in addressing public safety, particularly in communities with high immigrant populations. Overall, the bill encapsulates a broader legislative trend towards more protective stances on immigrant rights amid ongoing national debates about immigration policy.