New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A05373

Introduced
2/13/25  
Refer
2/13/25  

Caption

Prohibits immigration enforcement in school settings; prohibits all public and charter schools from allowing law enforcement officials inside school property to access a student, except to address an imminent safety situation or if they have an appropriate judicial warrant or judicial order.

Impact

If enacted, the bill would amend both the civil rights law and the education law, reinforcing the privileges of individuals within school settings against immigration enforcement actions. This modification emphasizes that only enforceable judicial warrants can support such actions on school grounds. Furthermore, it mandates that school personnel refrain from disclosing any student records that contain immigration status or related information, thereby safeguarding students and families from potential legal repercussions based on their immigration status.

Summary

Bill A05373, titled the 'Protect Our Schools Act', seeks to prohibit immigration enforcement activities within public and charter schools in New York. The primary goal of the legislation is to create a safe learning environment where students, faculty, and staff can participate in school activities without the fear of being subjected to immigration enforcement actions. It specifically restricts access to school property by law enforcement officials in contexts related to immigration enforcement, allowing their presence only in situations deemed an imminent safety concern or when accompanied by a valid court order or judicial warrant.

Contention

The potential impacts of A05373 have sparked considerable debate among lawmakers and community members. Proponents argue that the bill is essential for protecting vulnerable students who may otherwise refrain from attending school out of fear of apprehension. Conversely, opponents express concern that it could obstruct law enforcement's ability to ensure safety and security, suggesting that the bill might create a barrier to necessary oversight in schools. The discussion reflects broader national conversations about immigration policy, student rights, and the role of local law enforcement.

Companion Bills

NY S04735

Same As Prohibits immigration enforcement in school settings; prohibits all public and charter schools from allowing law enforcement officials inside school property to access a student, except to address an imminent safety situation or if they have an appropriate judicial warrant or judicial order.

Previously Filed As

NY S04735

Prohibits immigration enforcement in school settings; prohibits all public and charter schools from allowing law enforcement officials inside school property to access a student, except to address an imminent safety situation or if they have an appropriate judicial warrant or judicial order.

NY LB1034

Prohibit school staff from allowing federal immigration enforcement officers to access schools without a judicial warrant

NY A07859

Prohibits civil arrest in hospital, shelter, food bank, and crisis center settings; except to address an imminent safety situation or if they have an appropriate judicial warrant or judicial order.

NY S08522

Protects persons receiving care, employed, or otherwise present at a hospital from immigration arrests; prohibits federal immigration officers acting within the scope of their employment from entering hospitals unless supported by a judicial warrant or order; defines judicial warrant or order.

NY A09589

Protects persons receiving care, employed, or otherwise present at a hospital from immigration arrests; prohibits federal immigration officers acting within the scope of their employment from entering hospitals unless supported by a judicial warrant or order; defines judicial warrant or order.

NY AB49

Schoolsites: immigration enforcement.

NY S08539

Establishes the New York state ICE-free zones act to prohibit the use of state or municipal property for civil immigration enforcement activity; requires signage to be posted at the entrance to state or municipal property or other areas that are accessible to the public stating that civil immigration enforcement activity is not allowed; provides an exception that civil immigration activity may be conducted on such property pursuant to a valid judicial warrant specifying that such activity may be conducted on such property for a specified purpose.

NY SB245

Public Safety - Immigration Enforcement Agreements - Prohibition

NY HB444

Public Safety - Immigration Enforcement Agreements - Prohibition

NY SB391

Offenses Involving Illegal Aliens; immigration enforcement in certain locations absent a judicial warrant; prohibit

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.