New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A09589

Introduced
1/21/26  

Caption

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.

Impact

If enacted, A09589 would significantly alter the legal landscape concerning immigration enforcement in healthcare settings. By requiring a judicial warrant for any civil arrest within hospitals, the bill aims to ensure that only individuals who are subject to a legitimate legal process can be detained. This could promote greater trust among immigrant communities in New York, encouraging individuals to seek necessary medical treatment without hesitation. Additionally, the bill establishes that hospitals must adopt their own internal regulations to comply with these new requirements, including training personnel on how to manage potential immigration inquiries.

Summary

Bill A09589, known as the 'Sanctuary Hospitals Act', seeks to amend New York's civil rights and public health laws to protect individuals receiving care in hospitals from civil arrests, particularly in relation to immigration enforcement. The bill explicitly prohibits federal immigration officers from entering hospital premises unless they present a valid judicial warrant or order. This move is aimed at fostering a safe environment for patients and workers in healthcare facilities, ensuring that individuals can seek essential medical care without the fear of deportation or arrest by immigration authorities.

Contention

There are notable points of contention surrounding A09589. Supporters argue that the bill is essential for protecting vulnerable populations and upholding civil rights, as many immigrants avoid seeking medical care due to fear of arrest. Opponents, however, may express concerns regarding the implications of restricting federal immigration enforcement within state institutions and the potential consequences for public safety. The debate centers around balancing public health initiatives with the enforcement of immigration laws, reflecting broader national conversations about immigration policy and civil rights.

Companion Bills

NY S08522

Same As 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.

Previously Filed As

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 A08139

Protects people from civil arrest while within one thousand feet of a sensitive location, unless such civil arrest is supported by a judicial warrant or judicial order authorizing such civil arrest.

NY H5225

Limits the ability for any federal immigration authority to investigate, detain, apprehend or arrest any individuals for potential violations of federal immigration laws without a judicial warrant within certain protected locations.

NY S0537

Limits the ability for any federal immigration authority to investigate, detain, apprehend or arrest any individuals for potential violations of federal immigration laws without a judicial warrant within certain protected locations.

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 A05373

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 S04121

Protects people from civil arrest while within one thousand feet of a sensitive location, unless such civil arrest is supported by a judicial warrant or judicial order authorizing such civil arrest.

NY S3116

Prohibits state or local authorities from voluntary participation in federal civil immigration enforcement. It would not prohibit compliance with a judicial warrant or court order issued by a court of competent jurisdiction.

NY H8347

Prohibits state or local authorities from voluntary participation in federal civil immigration enforcement. It would not prohibit compliance with a judicial warrant or court order issued by a court of competent jurisdiction.

NY HF3483

Trespass offenses modified to require a warrant signed by a judicial officer for immigration enforcement, and detention of persons subject to civil immigration detainers issued by the federal government prohibited.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.