“Keep Washington Working” bill signed into law; amends policy for when law enforcement can provide information to federal immigration authorities

A bill to establish a statewide policy detailing when law enforcement can provide information to federal immigration authorities was signed by Governor Inslee on May 21, 2019.

SB 5497, sponsored by Senator Lisa Wellman (D–Mercer Island) is an expansive bill that:

• Requires the Attorney General to develop model policies limiting immigration enforcement in public schools, health facilities operated by the state or its political subdivisions, courthouses, and shelters to ensure safe access for Washington residents regardless of immigration or citizenship status.
• Prohibits state and local law enforcement agencies, school resource officers and security departments from providing information to federal immigration authorities for civil immigration enforcement or provide nonpublic personal information about an individual to federal immigration authorities in noncriminal matters, unless required by law.
• Provides that any person in state or local custody, including community custody or Department of Corrections (DOC) physical custody, must be informed of their right to refuse an interview by federal immigration enforcement authorities.
• States that all public employees must serve all Washington residents without regard to citizenship or immigration status, and may not condition receipt of services based on citizenship or immigration status.
• Prohibits the State of Washington from accepting language services, even at no cost, from federal immigration authorities.

SB 5497 contains an emergency clause and took effect on May 21, 2019.