Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF2381

Introduced
2/8/24  
Introduced
2/8/24  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to illegal reentry into the state by certain aliens, prohibition on arrest in certain locations, orders to return to a foreign nation, immunity from liability and indemnification for enforcement actions, sentencing restrictions, and providing penalties.

Impact

A significant aspect of HF2381 is its implementation of prohibitions against arresting individuals in certain sensitive locations, such as schools, healthcare facilities, and places of worship. This is aimed at balancing immigration enforcement with community safety and access to essential services, acknowledging the potential fear arrest could instill in individuals accessing these environments. Additionally, the bill mandates the establishment of processes for judges to issue orders requiring individuals to return to their country of origin, which supports legal action following convictions under the new provisions.

Summary

House File 2381 addresses issues surrounding illegal reentry into Iowa by certain aliens and establishes legal provisions related to their arrest, sentencing, and liability for enforcement actions. The bill defines specific offenses associated with entering the state after having been denied entry or deported, categorizing the severity of the offense as an aggravated misdemeanor or varying felonies based on prior convictions or deportation histories. The criminal penalties include imprisonment and fines applicable to those convicted of illegal reentry.

Contention

The bill has prompted discussion regarding the provisions that grant civil immunity and indemnification to local and state officials enforcing its terms. Critics argue that it may shield government officials from accountability for potentially unlawful actions, such as wrongful arrests. The delineation of responsibilities for monitoring and compliance with return orders also stirs debates about the efficiency of enforcement and the potential rise of legal challenges against officials operating within these guidelines. Overall, opposition voices emphasize concerns about racial profiling and the erosion of rights for affected individuals.

Companion Bills

IA SF2228

Similar To A bill for an act relating to illegal reentry into the state by certain aliens, prohibition on arrest in certain locations, orders to return to a foreign nation, immunity from liability and indemnification for enforcement actions, sentencing restrictions, and providing penalties.

Previously Filed As

IA H0011

Adds to existing law to provide for crimes regarding illegal entry into this state, to provide for an order to return to a foreign nation, and to provide for civil immunity for and indemnification of local government and state officials, employees, and contractors regarding immigration.

IA HF423

A bill for an act prohibiting certain actions relating to abortifacient drugs in the state, and providing penalties.

IA HB1303

Relating to certain criminal offenses involving illegal entry into or illegal presence in this state by a person who is an alien, including the enforcement of those offenses; increasing criminal penalties.

IA HB1832

Relating to the punishment for certain criminal offenses involving illegal entry into or illegal presence in this state by a person who is an alien; increasing criminal penalties.

IA HB48

Provides with respect to immunity from civil liability for law enforcement engaged in certain actions (Item #40)

IA HB51

Provides with respect to immunity from civil liability for law enforcement engaged in certain actions (Item #40)

IA A1354

Replaces references to "alien" and "illegal alien" in statutes with "foreign national" and "undocumented foreign national," respectively; prohibits use of those terms by executive branch agencies.

IA HF2646

A bill for an act relating to certain activities associated with foreign entities in the state, providing penalties, and making penalties applicable.(Formerly HSB 752.)

IA HSB752

A bill for an act relating to certain activities associated with foreign entities in the state, providing penalties, and making penalties applicable.(See HF 2646.)

IA HB2527

Relating to prohibiting lobbyists from representing certain aliens or foreign entities, providing a criminal penalty.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.