Purpose

• The bill sets limits on when immigration enforcement officials can enter public libraries and what library staff must do to protect patrons’ access. It aims to require a valid judicial warrant, verify the official’s identity, and keep entry restricted to areas called for in the warrant.

Main Provisions

• Public library staff may not allow entry to a federal, state, or local official for immigration enforcement unless the official presents a valid judicial warrant.
• The staff member may ask the official to provide valid identification.
• Entry is limited to the areas specified in the judicial warrant.
• If entry is granted, the library staff must immediately notify a designated local official:
  • For a city library: the city mayor.
  • For a county library or a library within a federated regional system: the person designated by the county board.
  • For a library within a consolidated regional system: the person designated by the system board.
• This requirement does not apply to officials administering a state or federally supported educational or library program, meaning such programs can have access under applicable rules.

Notable Changes to Law

• Creates a new rule (limits on access by officials engaged in immigration enforcement) that requires warrants, identification checks, and specific notification procedures for library access.
• Establishes a process for who must be notified when entry is granted, varying by library type (city, county/federated regional, consolidated regional).
• Maintains an exception for entry by officials involved in certain education or library programs funded or run by the state or federal government.

How the bill might affect libraries and users

• Public libraries would become more protective spaces where staff confirm warrants and identify officials before allowing access.
• Patrons would have clearer protections against immigration enforcement actions inside public library spaces, except where federal/state programs with their own access rules apply.

Relevant Terms - public library - immigration enforcement - federal official - state official - local official - judicial warrant - valid identification - areas identified in the judicial warrant - consent to entry - city mayor - county board - system board - Federated regional public library system - Consolidated regional public library system - state or federally supported educational or library program