Assembly committee advances SB 81 to limit immigration enforcement in nonpublic areas of health facilities

Senators and Assembly members on the California State Assembly Health Committee advanced SB 81 on a party-line motion after extended testimony and committee discussion.

SB 81 would require health care providers to establish nonpublic areas in their facilities and prohibit immigration enforcement from entering those areas without a valid judicial warrant or court order. The bill also would recognize immigration status and place of birth as part of confidential medical records and limit disclosure of that information to federal immigration authorities except pursuant to valid judicial process.

The bill’s author (listed in the hearing as “Senator Adegan”) said the measure builds on the California Values Act and on model policy guidance provided by the Attorney General’s office. She told the committee the bill is aimed at ensuring…