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H.R. 4371: Kayla Hamilton Act

The Kayla Hamilton Act is a proposed legislation aimed at strengthening existing laws concerning the protection of children from trafficking. It seeks to amend the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 with several key provisions meant to enhance the safety and security of unaccompanied alien children in the United States.

Key Provisions of the Bill

  1. Increased Consideration in Placement

    The bill requires that, when placing unaccompanied alien children, the Secretary of Health and Human Services must consider specific factors to ensure safety. This changes the language from "may consider" to "shall consider," making this a stronger obligation.

  2. Child Safety Checks

    Prior to placing an unaccompanied alien child who is 12 years old or younger, the Secretary must:

    • Contact the consulate or embassy of the child's country to request their criminal record.
    • Examine the child for any gang-related tattoos or markings.

    If a child shows signs of gang affiliation or has a relevant arrest record, they must be placed in a secure facility.

  3. Information Requirements on Caregivers

    Before placing a child with an individual, the Secretary must provide detailed information about the caregiver and all adults living with them, which includes:

    • Name and identity of the individual and all adult household members.
    • Social security number and date of birth for these individuals.
    • Residential address where the child will be placed.
    • Immigration status of the caregiver and residents.
    • Contact information for the caregiver.
    • Results of background and criminal records checks, including checks from public sex offender registries and the FBI.

  4. Restrictions on Placement

    The bill adds a provision that a child must not be placed with individuals who are unlawfully present in the United States.

This act aims to ensure a more secure environment for vulnerable children, particularly those who enter the U.S. unaccompanied. By mandating additional safeguards and thorough checks on caregivers, the bill addresses concerns regarding the safety and welfare of these children.

Relevant Companies

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Sponsors

3 bill sponsors

Actions

22 actions

Date Action
Dec. 17, 2025 Received in the Senate.
Dec. 16, 2025 Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H5933-5934)
Dec. 16, 2025 Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 951. (consideration: CR H5921-5927)
Dec. 16, 2025 DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 4371.
Dec. 16, 2025 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Dec. 16, 2025 Ms. Stansbury moved to recommit to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text: CR H5927)
Dec. 16, 2025 On motion to recommit Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 208 - 218 (Roll no. 339).
Dec. 16, 2025 On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 225 - 201 (Roll no. 340). (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H5921-5922)
Dec. 16, 2025 Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 225 - 201 (Roll no. 340). (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H5921-5922)
Dec. 16, 2025 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate H.R. 4371, the Chair put the question on motion to recommit and announced that the ayes had prevailed. Ms. Stansbury demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings until a time to be announced.
Dec. 16, 2025 Rule H. Res. 951 passed House.
Dec. 16, 2025 Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 4776, H.R. 1366, H.R. 845, H.R. 3616, H.R. 3632 and H.R. 4371. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 4776, under a structured rule and H.R. 1366, H.R. 845, H.R. 3616, H.R. 3632, and H.R. 4371 under a closed rule. The resolution provides one motion to recommit on each bill.
Dec. 16, 2025 Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 951 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 4776, H.R. 1366, H.R. 845, H.R. 3616, H.R. 3632 and H.R. 4371. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 4776, under a structured rule and H.R. 1366, H.R. 845, H.R. 3616, H.R. 3632, and H.R. 4371 under a closed rule. The resolution provides one motion to recommit on each bill.
Dec. 16, 2025 The previous question on the motion to recommit was ordered pursuant to clause 2(b) of rule XIX.
Dec. 16, 2025 The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
Dec. 16, 2025 The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
Oct. 17, 2025 Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 297.
Oct. 17, 2025 Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 119-345.
Sep. 10, 2025 Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Sep. 10, 2025 Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 16 - 13.
Jul. 14, 2025 Introduced in House
Jul. 14, 2025 Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

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