State and Local Government - Sanctuary Policies and Enforcement of Federal Immigration Law (Rachel Morin Act)

HB 85 (the Rachel Morin Act) repeals Maryland law that previously prohibited law enforcement from asking about immigration status during routine stops and bans local governments from adopting "sanctuary policies." It defines a sanctuary policy as any rule limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities regarding individuals unlawfully present in the U.S. The bill requires counties and municipalities to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement for such individuals and withholds state funds until compliance is achieved. This directly affects all Maryland county and municipal governments, law enforcement agencies, and individuals subject to federal immigration enforcement actions.