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Appropriations Committee advances bill to limit immigration enforcement at schools
Summary
AB 49, which would restrict immigration enforcement actions at K‑12 schools and reaffirm schools as sensitive locations for enforcement, was advanced by the committee. Supporters cited Plyler v. Doe and recent rescission of a DHS memo as context and said the bill aims to protect students and school communities; immigrant‑rights groups and several
AB 49, a bill intended to limit immigration enforcement activities at K‑12 school sites and provide clarity for school districts and staff, was advanced by the Assembly Appropriations Committee on May 14.
Assemblymember Martucci presented the bill, saying it "do[es] everything in our power to keep ICE out of our California public schools." Supporters invoked longstanding legal protections for school attendance and recited Plyler v. Doe as precedent.
Nicolas Thompson Lares, a staff attorney with the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), told the committee the bill responds to the Department of Homeland Security’s rescission of the prior "sensitive locations" memo and recent federal enforcement actions. "AB 49 helps to provide clarity, safety, and peace of mind to children and all who care for them," he said, and described real‑world fear among families and students when immigration enforcement occurs near schools.
Multiple immigrant‑rights organizations, county education offices and community advocates testified in support. One county speaker noted prior concerns but said the author had struck language that could have created legal exposure for school employees. The transcript records the bill as moved out on a committee roll call after a motion and second; one committee member praised the bill and indicated co‑authorship interest.
Why it matters: Supporters said AB 49 protects students’ access to education and reduces fear among immigrant communities; the measure responds to federal policy changes and localized enforcement incidents. The hearing record shows broad advocacy support and no sustained opposition presented in the excerpt.
Next steps: The committee recorded AB 49 as advanced on a roll call. Full roll‑call tallies were not included in the provided transcript excerpt.
