SB 397, An Act Concerning Democracy And Government Accountability

TESTIMONY OF THE CONNECTICUT HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION
SUBMITTED TO THE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE

Monday, March 9, 2026

The Connecticut Hospital Association (CHA) appreciates this opportunity to submit testimony concerning SB 397, An Act Concerning Democracy And Government Accountability.  CHA appreciates the goals of Section 7 of this bill but has some concerns with the bill as drafted.

Connecticut hospitals make our state stronger by delivering nationally recognized, world-class care, supporting jobs and economic growth, and serving communities across Connecticut.  Every day, hospitals improve access, affordability, and health equity — providing care to all patients regardless of ability to pay.  At the same time, hospitals invest in their workforce and local communities, even as they navigate significant financial and federal challenges.

SB 397 designates select types of sensitive spaces, including medical care facilities and offices, as “protected areas” to reduce the risk that individuals might be detained for civil immigration enforcement.  These sensitive locations provide essential services and should be available to all residents regardless of immigration status and without fear.  We appreciate the legislature recognizing the need to protect Connecticut hospitals and these other locations to ensure access to healthcare for all Connecticut residents, but to avoid the bill being too broad and unnecessarily interfering with routine policing activities, we respectfully request the following changes:

• At line 472, delete “civil offense,” which is too broad and could interfere with routine law enforcement activity and assistance and replace it with “civil immigration enforcement.”  In subsection (a) of Section 7 insert the following definition of civil immigration enforcement:  “civil immigration enforcement means any and all efforts to investigate, enforce, or assist in the investigation or enforcement of any federal civil immigration law.”  This change in the definition would meet the goal of the bill in a tailored way but not interfere with activities of routine general police activities that routinely take place everywhere, including within medical facilities. 
• In subsection (c) of Section 7, since this legislation places the prohibition on enforcement activities on the local, state, and federal peace officers involved, we would respectfully request that the private right of action be allowed only against those officers and not include the operators or workforce members of the protected areas.  If peace officers enter medical facilities with force, threats, firearms, or other tactics, the liability pursuant to the bill for what the officers do must not shift to the medical facility or its personnel.

Thank you for your consideration of our position.  For additional information, contact CHA Government Relations at (203) 294-7301.