The Federal Grant Neutrality Act

Key Points

• This bill would stop the Department of Justice from forcing local governments or organizations to follow certain immigration rules to get federal grant money. Currently, the government can sometimes withhold funds if a city or group does not cooperate with federal immigration authorities.
• The proposal specifically prevents the Attorney General from requiring compliance with a 1996 law that deals with sharing information about people's immigration status. It also says the government cannot use any Executive Orders or presidential memos as a requirement for these grants.
• This change would affect cities and local agencies that apply for federal money to support police departments, victim services, and safety programs. It aims to ensure that local governments receive funding based on their needs rather than their specific policies on immigration enforcement.
• If passed, this law would protect federal funding for 'sanctuary' jurisdictions that have previously faced threats of losing grant money for not following federal immigration requests. It would make grant eligibility more predictable for local leaders across the country.