Immigration

This bill restricts how local law enforcement agencies can share information with federal immigration authorities, specifically prohibiting officers from responding to immigration detainer requests for individuals charged with certain serious crimes. The legislation directly affects state and local police, correctional officers, probation officers, and school security personnel by limiting their ability to assist federal agencies in detaining or transferring individuals who have been charged with Class A, B, or C felonies or family violence offenses. Key provisions include banning law enforcement from providing federal immigration authorities with non-public information about an individual's release dates, addresses, or compliance with probation terms, and preventing agencies from allowing federal officers to interview detainees or use jail facilities for immigration enforcement activities. The bill also defines specific types of confidential information that cannot be shared, including details about an individual's sexual orientation, victim status, witness role, or financial records.

HB 5347 requires the Commissioner of Administrative Services to develop a plan by January 1, 2027, for translating state agency forms and applications (including those for vital records and identification) into the 12 most common non-English languages spoken by limited-English proficient residents, based on U.S. Census data. State agencies must adopt this plan by February 1, 2027, and appoint a language access coordinator to ensure compliance, updating the plan every two years. The bill directly affects limited-English proficient individuals who need to access state services or benefits, ensuring they can navigate required forms in languages they understand. It mandates concrete policy changes in translation and accessibility without specifying outcomes or advocating for the measure.

HB 5176 allocates $150,000 from the General Fund to the Department of Social Services for fiscal year 2027. This funding provides a grant-in-aid directly to the Spanish Community of Wallingford. The bill specifies the funds must support education, public health, social services, and job training programs within that community. The appropriation is targeted for the 2027 fiscal year and requires the Department of Social Services to administer the grant.