Immigration (Sanctuary Policies)

HB 2373 prohibits non-citizens unlawfully present in the U.S. from receiving most state or local public benefits, directly affecting undocumented immigrants applying for aid. It requires applicants aged 18+ to provide proof of lawful presence (e.g., driver's license documents or federal verification) and mandates agencies to verify status through the federal DHS Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements program. The bill excludes driver's licenses and identification cards from the restriction but prohibits undocumented immigrants from receiving reduced college tuition at public institutions. It also adds a requirement to verify immigration status for non-citizen defendants in criminal cases, creating a presumption they may flee if deemed unlawfully present.

SB 178 requires Kansas law enforcement agencies (including city police, county sheriffs, and other local departments) to apply for and enter agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to authorize officers to assist with federal immigration enforcement. Agencies must submit requests to ICE, enter agreements if offered, or provide documentation of refusal to the Attorney General. Failure to comply may result in legal action by the Attorney General and loss of state grant funding for the affected agency. The bill directly affects local law enforcement agencies' ability to receive state financial support based on their cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.

HB 2066 requires Kansas business entities and public employers to register with and use the federal e-Verify program to confirm the work authorization of all new employees starting July 1, 2025. The bill also prohibits employers from claiming income tax deductions for wages paid to individuals without legal authorization to work in the United States. It makes it unlawful for employers to knowingly hire, recruit, or refer unauthorized workers, with enforcement handled by county attorneys or the state attorney general. This law directly affects all businesses and public employers in Kansas that hire new staff, including those operating without a business license.

SB 287 is a Kansas bill that prohibits local police and law enforcement agencies from assisting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) with arrests or warrants in places of religious worship, schools, or hospitals. It bans officers from participating in immigration enforcement within these locations and voids any existing agreements with ICE that would violate this rule. The law specifies that police may still enforce state laws but cannot aid federal immigration actions at these specific sites, which include churches, schools (public or private), and healthcare facilities like clinics or hospitals. Violations could lead to disciplinary action against officers. This bill directly affects Kansas law enforcement and federal immigration operations within designated protected locations.