Assembly codifies immigrant-trust directive after fierce debate; related privacy bill also passes

The New Jersey General Assembly on Wednesday voted to make permanent the attorney general's immigrant trust directive, passing Assembly Bill A4071 by a recorded vote of 50 yeas to 21 nays.

Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds Jackson moved A4071 on behalf of the sponsor; lawmakers framed the bill as a statutory safeguard to preserve a directive issued in 2018 that limits when local and state officials may query or share immigration status. "This bill makes the immigrant trust directive the law of the land here in New Jersey," Assemblyman Bala said, arguing the statute provides immigrant families with greater stability than a directive that can be changed by a single official. "We owe them a law," he said.

Opponents characterized the measure as a barrier to coordination with federal partners and urged caution. "This bill ties the hands of law enforcement and prohibits communication between local, county, state, and federal branches," Assemblyman Peterson said during floor remarks, urging colleagues to vote no. Assemblywoman Fantasia warned of operational risks in criminal investigations, saying the bill '"restricts access to core identifying information' and could slow investigations.

Lawmakers used procedural motions several times during the debate. Majority Leader Greenwald successfully moved to table amendment motions on at least two occasions during the discussion. The Assembly had earlier passed a companion privacy bill, A4070, by a vote of 52-21; from the floor proponents described it as limiting the routine collection and disclosure by public agencies and health care providers of immigration-related identifiers.

What it does: A4071 codifies limitations on when state and local agencies may collect or share immigration status and certain personal identifiers, while preserving carve-outs for specified circumstances described on the floor (for example, individuals subject to a final order of removal and certain serious criminal cases).

Why it matters: Supporters said codification institutionalizes protections that encourage immigrants to report crimes and cooperate with police, improving public safety through trust. Opponents said the change could hinder multi-jurisdictional investigations and conflict with federal enforcement responsibilities.

What's next: The bill was declared passed and will take the usual course for enacted legislation; the Assembly also passed related measures earlier in the day.