SB 351: Courthouses; certain civil arrests prohibited, penalty.

Official summary

Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.

Prohibiting certain acts in furtherance of federal immigration enforcement in certain protected areas; exceptions; penalties. Prohibits certain federal civil immigration enforcement activities in certain protected areas including any courthouse, within 40 feet of any polling place or building used as a meeting place for the local electoral board while the electoral board meets to ascertain the results of an election, and any place or facility owned by the Commonwealth that is a hospital or other health care facility, a school or public institution of higher education, or an office of the attorney for the Commonwealth. The bill prohibits any civil arrest in a courthouse pursuant to a civil administrative warrant, subject to certain exceptions such as service or enforcement of an order for failure to pay child support or for any arrest occurring in connection with a court proceeding that is taking place or is scheduled to take place. The bill provides that such provisions shall not apply when such arrest is authorized by a judicial warrant or judicial subpoena. The bill also authorizes a local school board to include in its written school crisis, emergency management, and medical emergency response plan a procedure for notifying school board employees and parents of enrolled students of the presence of certain individuals on school property for immigration investigation or enforcement purposes. The bill requires each public institution of higher education to adopt a policy that requires an individual present on campus to investigate compliance with, enforce, or assist in an investigation or enforcement of any federal immigration law to present a valid judicial warrant or judicial subpoena before accessing any nonpublic area of the campus. This bill is identical to HB 650.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 5

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. April 12, 2026Governor's recommendation received by Senate
2. March 31, 2026Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026
3. March 31, 2026Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 31, 2026
4. March 31, 2026Signed by Speaker
5. March 31, 2026Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB351)
6. March 30, 2026Signed by President
7. March 30, 2026Bill text as passed Senate and House (SB351ER)
8. March 30, 2026Enrolled
9. March 14, 2026Conference report agreed to by Senate (21-Y 18-N 0-A)
10. March 14, 2026Conference report agreed to by House (62-Y 35-N 0-A)
11. March 14, 2026Conference Report released
12. March 12, 2026House Conferees: Callsen, Simon, Cornett

Showing 12 most recent of 40 actions. Full history