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H.R.1459 / 112th Congress

Scott Gardner Act

Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration Policy and Enforcement.

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in House · Apr 8, 2011

Scott Gardner Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to direct the Attorney General (DOJ) to take into custody an alien who is unlawfully in the United States and is arrested by a state or local law enforcement officer for driving while intoxicated or a similar violation. Directs the officer, upon reasonable grounds to believe the individual is an alien, to: (1) verify the individual's immigration status, and (2) take into custody for federal transfer an individual who is unlawfully in the United States.

Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to reimburse states and localities for related transportation costs when such transportation is not done in the course of normal duties.

Requires a state or locality, in order to qualify for state criminal alien assistance program (SCAAP) funding, to participate by January 1, 2014, in either or both of: (1) the secure communities initiative, or (2) the program under which state officers and employees perform specified immigration functions.

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Requires the Attorney General to enter into such state immigration enforcement programs. (Current law authorizes such participation.) Requires DHS reimbursement for related state or local training costs.

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Who introduced it

Rep. Myrick, Sue Wilkins [R-NC-9] · R–NC

Committees

  • Judiciary Committee
7 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration Policy and Enforcement.

  2. Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

  3. Introduced in House

  4. Introduced in House

Bill text & related measures

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Related bills identified by Congress.gov

Source last updated: Aug 14, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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Objective

Analyze H.R.1459 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.

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