Immigration (Sanctuary Policies)

HB 580 establishes new regulations for private civil detention facilities in Utah, directly affecting facilities operated by private entities under government contracts (e.g., for immigration processing). The bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to create rules ensuring safe conditions, including clean living spaces, nutritious meals, medical care, accessible communication, and staff training. It mandates regular unannounced facility inspections, public posting of results, and allows fines up to $10,000 per violation for noncompliance. The law takes effect in May 2026 and does not appropriate new funding.

HB 571, titled "Immigrant Amendments," primarily targets immigration enforcement within Utah's state systems. It prohibits Utah financial institutions from accepting certain forms of identification and requires money transmitters to verify senders' immigration status before international transfers. The bill also mandates employers to verify work eligibility, imposes penalties for hiring undocumented workers (including personal liability for medical costs), and restricts undocumented immigrants from qualifying for first-time homebuyer assistance. Additionally, it requires county jails to share prisoner immigration status with federal agencies upon request and prevents local governments from blocking cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.

This Utah bill restricts state and local law enforcement from assisting federal immigration authorities in sensitive locations (like schools or hospitals) or houses of worship, with limited exceptions for emergencies or facility owner requests. It also prohibits law enforcement officers from wearing opaque face coverings during official duties, except for tactical units, undercover operations, or if their agency has a publicly posted facial covering policy. Violations could result in a class C misdemeanor penalty for officers, unless their agency had a compliant policy in place. The bill requires law enforcement agencies to create and publish such policies to avoid criminal liability for officers.