HB 2376
An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in riot, disorderly conduct and related offenses, providing for civil immigration arrests in houses of worship.
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill, titled the ‘Let Us Pray in Peace Act,’ amends Pennsylvania law to restrict civil immigration arrests within houses of worship. It prohibits law enforcement from detaining or arresting individuals on the property of churches, synagogues, mosques, or other religious facilities based solely on immigration status, unless they possess a valid judicial warrant. The bill also requires law enforcement to provide documentation to anyone requesting it and prohibits the use of state funds for immigration enforcement activities within these spaces. Violations of the law can result in a $10,000 civil penalty.
Key provisions
- Prohibits civil immigration arrests in houses of worship.
- Requires law enforcement to possess a valid judicial warrant for arrests.
- Mandates disclosure of warrant documentation to requesters.
- Restricts the use of state funds for immigration enforcement within houses of worship.
- Defines ‘house of worship’ as a place used for religious worship.
- Defines ‘immigration enforcement’ as efforts to investigate or enforce federal immigration laws.
- Specifies covered law enforcement authorities, including Pennsylvania State Police and federal agencies.
- Establishes a civil penalty of $10,000 for violations.
Who is affected
- Law enforcement agencies (Pennsylvania State Police, federal agencies)
- House of worship congregations and leaders
- Immigrants
- Religious organizations
- Pennsylvania residents
Notable changes
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