Simple Functions
LEGISLATION/H.R. 4371

Kayla Hamilton Act

119-HR-4371119th CongressIntroduced Jul 14, 2025Crime and Law Enforcement
Market Probability
No market
Status
Introduced
Committee
Floor Vote
Other Chamber
Signed
Received in the Senate.

Sponsor

Rep. Fry, Russell [R-SC-7](R-SC-7)
2 cosponsors

Summary

Kayla Hamilton Act

This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to consider additional information when it makes placement determinations for unaccompanied alien children in its custody. Under federal law, an unaccompanied alien child is a minor with no lawful immigration status and no parent or legal guardian in the United States to provide care and physical custody.

Current law requires HHS to (1) place a child in the least restrictive setting that is in the child's best interest, and (2) assess the safety and suitability of a sponsor prior to placing a child with that sponsor. 

In determining the least restrictive setting, this bill requires (currently, permits) HHS to consider the child's danger to self, danger to the community, and flight risk. Additionally, the bill requires placement in a secure facility in the case of a child who is 13 years of age or older and has gang-related markings or tattoos or a history of gang-related arrests or criminal conduct.

In assessing the safety and suitability of a sponsor, this bill requires HHS to collect and provide to the Department of Homeland Security information about all adult residents of the household, including name, date of birth, Social Security number, immigration status, contact information, and the results of all background and criminal records checks. The bill also prohibits HHS from placing a child with a sponsor who is unlawfully present in the United States. 

Subjects

Border security and unlawful immigrationChild safety and welfareDetention of personsHuman traffickingImmigration status and proceduresJuvenile crime and gang violenceSmuggling and trafficking

Actions (24)

Received in the Senate.
Dec 17, 2025Senate
The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
Dec 16, 2025House floor actions
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Dec 16, 2025House floor actions
On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 225 - 201 (Roll no. 340). (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H5921-5922)
Dec 16, 2025House floor actionsRECORDED VOTE
Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 225 - 201 (Roll no. 340). (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H5921-5922)
Dec 16, 2025Library of CongressRECORDED VOTE
On motion to recommit Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 208 - 218 (Roll no. 339).
Dec 16, 2025House floor actionsRECORDED VOTE
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H5933-5934)
Dec 16, 2025House floor actions
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate H.R. 4371, the Chair put the question on motion to recommit and announced that the ayes had prevailed. Ms. Stansbury demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings until a time to be announced.
Dec 16, 2025House floor actions
The previous question on the motion to recommit was ordered pursuant to clause 2(b) of rule XIX.
Dec 16, 2025House floor actions
Ms. Stansbury moved to recommit to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text: CR H5927)
Dec 16, 2025House floor actions
The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
Dec 16, 2025House floor actions
DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 4371.
Dec 16, 2025House floor actions
Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 4776, H.R. 1366, H.R. 845, H.R. 3616, H.R. 3632 and H.R. 4371. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 4776, under a structured rule and H.R. 1366, H.R. 845, H.R. 3616, H.R. 3632, and H.R. 4371 under a closed rule. The resolution provides one motion to recommit on each bill.
Dec 16, 2025House floor actions
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 951. (consideration: CR H5921-5927)
Dec 16, 2025House floor actions
Rule H. Res. 951 passed House.
Dec 16, 2025House floor actions
Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 951 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 4776, H.R. 1366, H.R. 845, H.R. 3616, H.R. 3632 and H.R. 4371. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 4776, under a structured rule and H.R. 1366, H.R. 845, H.R. 3616, H.R. 3632, and H.R. 4371 under a closed rule. The resolution provides one motion to recommit on each bill.
Dec 16, 2025House floor actions
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 297.
Oct 17, 2025House floor actions
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 119-345.
Oct 17, 2025House floor actions
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 119-345.
Oct 17, 2025Library of Congress
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 16 - 13.
Sep 10, 2025House committee actions
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Sep 10, 2025House committee actions
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Jul 14, 2025House floor actions
Introduced in House
Jul 14, 2025Library of Congress
Introduced in House
Jul 14, 2025Library of Congress
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