Prohibits the governor from preventing or inhibiting state agency cooperation with the federal government for the purposes of immigration enforcement; prohibits state agencies from preventing or inhibiting collaboration with federal agencies for the purposes of federal immigration enforcement.
Summary
A02261 would restrict the Governor’s ability to direct state agencies, through executive order or other executive action, to limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. It adds new provisions to the Executive Law stating that state agencies and their employees, including law enforcement officers, may not be prevented or inhibited from working with federal agencies, sharing information, or otherwise assisting in federal immigration enforcement. The bill defines “state agency” broadly to include agencies and departments under the Governor’s executive authority, as well as certain public authorities, public benefit corporations, boards, and commissions where the Governor appoints leadership or a majority of members.
The bill also amends the Governor’s emergency suspension authority so that any suspension of law or regulation could not be used to block state-federal collaboration on immigration enforcement. It takes effect immediately and would apply across the executive branch and covered state entities. In practical terms, the measure would limit sanctuary-style restrictions at the state level and require state agencies to remain available for cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
Impact
This bill would amend the New York Executive Law by creating new sections 13 and 30-a and by modifying section 29-a, narrowing the Governor’s authority over executive agencies and certain state-controlled public entities. It would affect state agencies, law enforcement personnel, and covered public authorities by prohibiting policies or orders that restrict cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, including information sharing and other assistance. The measure would likely alter existing executive-branch practices and could conflict with current state policies that limit immigration-related cooperation.
Sentiment
No committee transcript or vote record is available for this bill, so there is no documented floor or committee sentiment in the provided materials. Based on the bill’s sponsorship and subject matter, it appears to be a policy response favoring stronger state cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. The absence of recorded votes or discussion means support and opposition cannot be measured from the supplied context.
Contention
The central point of contention is the balance between state executive control and mandatory cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Supporters would likely view the bill as ensuring that state agencies cannot opt out of assisting federal enforcement, while opponents would likely argue that it undermines state discretion, local autonomy, and existing immigration-related protections or sanctuary policies. The broad definition of “state agency” and the inclusion of law enforcement and public authorities may also be contentious because it extends the bill’s reach beyond traditional executive departments.
Same As
Prohibits the governor from preventing or inhibiting state agency cooperation with the federal government for the purposes of immigration enforcement; prohibits state agencies from preventing or inhibiting collaboration with federal agencies for the purposes of federal immigration enforcement.