Update (October 29):
The amendment was abruptly pulled before a vote on October 29 as a result of opposition to a provision allowing civil lawsuits against anyone participating in civil immigration enforcement who violates constitutional rights, raising concerns among critics that local police could face broad liability for routine activities, such as crowd control at immigration-related events. Sponsors are expected to revise the language and refile.
Overview
House Amendment 1 to HB 577 (Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch) replaces all prior language in the bill and creates the Immigration Safe Zones Act. The measure, filed on October 29, 2025, proposes to direct the Illinois Attorney General, by September 1, 2026, to develop and publish model policies that limit state and local assistance with federal immigration enforcement to the fullest extent allowed under state and federal law. These policies are intended to ensure that specified public facilities remain safe and accessible to all residents, regardless of immigration status.
Scope of Safe Zones
The Act applies to five main categories of facilities:
- State-funded educational institutions, from licensed day care centers and preschools to universities.
- State-funded medical and health care facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and state mental health institutions.
- Public libraries.
- Facilities operated by the Office of the Secretary of State, such as driver services facilities.
- State courts.
Operational Provisions
Once enacted, all state agencies, schools, and public institutions must review and revise any application, questionnaire, or interview form related to benefits, services, or tuition verification. Any questions about citizenship or immigration status not required by statute, ordinance, federal law, or court order must be removed within 60 days of the law’s effective date. This requirement ensures that state and local entities do not unnecessarily collect or disclose immigration information.
Potential County Impacts
Courts and County Facilities: County courts would be explicitly included as safe zones, requiring the development and implementation of local protocols that align with the Attorney General’s model policies. County administrators and circuit clerks may need to train staff on compliance, privacy handling, and communication with federal immigration authorities.
Public Health and Human Services: County-operated health departments, clinics, and nursing homes receiving state funds may need to adopt the same privacy and non-cooperation standards, requiring policy revisions and staff education.
Libraries and Educational Programs: County-supported or joint library districts and early childhood programs with state funding would also be required to remove nonessential immigration-related questions from forms.
Administrative Compliance: Counties may have to coordinate with the Attorney General’s office to align local procedures, review data collection practices, and update documentation across multiple departments within the 60-day compliance window.
Summary
HB 577 (HFA 1) seeks to formalize and expand Illinois’ “safe zone” approach to immigration enforcement. The legislation limits how state and local agencies can share or act on immigration-related information, focusing on ensuring that essential services—education, health care, justice, and libraries—remain accessible without fear of immigration consequences. For counties, compliance would likely involve administrative policy updates, training, and coordination with state officials to ensure uniform implementation of the Attorney General’s forthcoming model policies.