On December 9, 2025, Governor Pritzker signed House Bill 1312 into law. The legislation introduces new requirements for certain critical locations including schools, childcare providers, hospitals, and universities which are designed to provide protections against improper civil immigration enforcement. If your organization is deemed a critical location, it is important to understand your obligations and potential exposure.
The new legislation does the following:
- Prohibits the civil arrest of anyone in or around courthouses who is attending certain state court proceedings. Individuals whose rights are violated may seek civil damages, including statutory damages of $10,000 if the officer knew or should have known the person was attending a state court proceeding. The law also limits civil immigration enforcement actions by federal agents at or near hospitals, schools, childcare centers, and universities.
- Allows for civil legal action against law enforcement officers who knowingly violate the Illinois or United States Constitution.
- Strengthens protections for personal and immigration status information by prohibiting the unlawful release of protected health information, barring universities and colleges from taking adverse actions based on the actual or perceived immigration status of students, employees, or associated persons, unless required by law; and prohibiting day care centers from sharing a child’s actual or perceived immigration status, unless required by law.
- Requires all general acute care hospitals to implement a policy regarding interactions with law enforcement agents. Licensed day care centers must also adopt plans for interacting with enforcement agents.
While some protections took effect immediately, general acute care hospitals, school and universities, and child care are required to adopt policies by January 1, 2026, with other facilities following shortly thereafter.
Next Steps for Your Organization
- Review current policies and procedures for compliance with HB 1312
- Train staff on handling federal immigration inquiries and safeguarding sensitive information
- Update documentation protocols
- Consult legal counsel before responding to any enforcement actions or requests for information
We are available to assist your organization in reviewing and updating policies, training staff, and preparing for compliance with the new law. Please contact our office info@tristancervantes.com or 312-345-9200 if you would like to schedule a consultation or receive guidance on implementing these changes.
