Us Congress House Bill HB639

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/23
• Refer: 1/30/23

Caption

Korematsu-Takai Civil Liberties Protection Act of 2023

Impact

If enacted, HB 639 would primarily affect statutes related to civil liberties and due process. By prohibiting unlawful detention based on protected characteristics, the bill seeks to protect vulnerable populations from discrimination and arbitrary detention practices. This change would reaffirm the commitment to civil rights and would be a significant step towards ensuring equality and equity in the legal system, particularly in contexts where individuals may be detained based on preconceived notions related to their identity.

Summary

House Bill 639, officially known as the Korematsu-Takai Civil Liberties Protection Act of 2023, seeks to ensure due process protections for individuals in the United States against unlawful detention based solely on a protected characteristic. The bill aims to amend Section 4001 of Title 18 of the United States Code, establishing a prohibition on the imprisonment or detention of individuals based solely on characteristics such as race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, and disability. Furthermore, it allows the Attorney General to determine any additional characteristics that should be classified as protected.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 639 may revolve around the broader implications of the bill in terms of law enforcement practices and national security. Opponents might argue that such protections could complicate law enforcement efforts, especially in areas related to immigration and public safety. Additionally, there may be debates regarding the definition and scope of 'protected characteristics' and how they may affect existing laws and ordinances aimed at maintaining public order.