H.R. 7252: Restoring Community Trust Act of 2026

This bill, known as the Restoring Community Trust Act of 2026, aims to repeal a specific section of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, which is identified as Section 642 (8 U.S.C. 1373). The bill includes various findings that support this repeal, emphasizing the following key points:

Findings

• The Constitution establishes a system where both Federal and State governments have distinct roles. States retain the authority to manage their own governmental operations without federal interference.
• Federal law cannot compel States or local authorities to enforce federal regulations, nor can it prevent them from operating independently.
• Section 642 of the 1996 Act restricts States and localities in how they manage information flow within their public institutions, especially regarding interactions that are unrelated to immigration enforcement.
• States and localities aim to foster trust in public institutions, which is essential for public safety and community engagement.
• There are many instances in which interactions with state or local agencies happen for reasons that have nothing to do with immigration, and sharing information in these contexts could hinder their effectiveness.
• The Federal Government has the exclusive authority to enforce civil immigration laws without imposing restrictions on State or local governments.
• Repealing Section 642 would not-limit the Federal Government's ability to enforce immigration laws or gather necessary information legally.
• This section has led to legal disputes and confusion about its constitutionality and how it interacts with federal grants, causing administrative burdens for State and local governments.
• Effective governance is achieved when Federal law enforcement roles remain with Federal authorities while State and local officials manage their responsibilities.
• The repeal aims to restore a balance in authority, reduce uncertainty in the law, and allow States and local governments to maintain control over their internal operations.
• The bill clarifies that it does not prevent any State or local government from communicating or cooperating with Federal immigration authorities, as long as they do so in accordance with applicable laws.

Repeal

The bill formally repeals Section 642 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996.

Implications

If this bill is enacted, it would eliminate the requirements that currently limit state and local governments from fully controlling how they manage and share information regarding individuals, potentially leading to increased community trust in public institutions. However, it does not affect the federal government's authority to enforce immigration laws.

Relevant Companies

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