Protecting Federal Funds from Human Trafficking and Smuggling Act of 2025 | ChamberLight
Bills · HR 1168
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 1168Smuggling and traffickingHuman trafficking
Protecting Federal Funds from Human Trafficking and Smuggling Act of 2025
INTRO FEB 10· LAST ACTION FEB 10
READING
4MIN
COSPONSORS
10
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
Voters should care about this bill because it aims to ensure that taxpayer money is not inadvertently supporting illegal activities like human trafficking and alien smuggling. If passed, it would increase accountability for non-profit organizations receiving federal funds, requiring them to formally certify their adherence to specific federal laws.
On the other hand, the bill could significantly impact non-profits, potentially adding administrative burdens or causing them to lose crucial funding or tax-exempt status, which might disrupt vital services they provide to communities. The removal of the protection regarding immigration status verification for beneficiaries could also change how some non-profits operate and serve vulnerable populations. If this bill becomes law, there will be more scrutiny and potential consequences for non-profits; if it doesn't, the current system of accountability for these specific issues in federal funding to non-profits would remain unchanged.
KEY PROVISIONS
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PROVISION 01
Requires all non-profit entities to certify to the Office of Management and Budget that they are in compliance with federal laws regarding human trafficking, alien smuggling, fraud, bribery, or gratuity to receive federal funds.
This makes it mandatory for non-profits to attest to their legal compliance in specific areas before or while receiving federal money.
PROVISION 02
Mandates that non-profit entities failing to submit the required certification or found in violation of alien smuggling laws must repay federal funds and lose their tax-exempt status.
These are significant financial penalties that could severely impact non-profits' operations and ability to serve their communities.
PROVISION 03
Directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to develop a strategy and best practices guide for non-profits to comply with federal law, including how to detect and report human trafficking and alien smuggling.
This provision aims to provide resources and clear guidelines to help non-profits avoid unintentional involvement in illegal activities.
PROVISION 04
Removes a provision in existing law (8 U.S.C. 1642(d)) that prevented non-profit charitable organizations from being required to verify the immigration status of applicants for federal public benefits.
This change could allow the government to require non-profits to verify the immigration status of people receiving benefits, potentially altering how services are provided.
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Oversight and Government Reform, and Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Voters should care about this bill because it aims to ensure that taxpayer money is not inadvertently supporting illegal activities like human trafficking and alien smuggling. If passed, it would increase accountability for non-profit organizations receiving federal funds, requiring them to formally certify their adherence to specific federal laws.
On the other hand, the bill could significantly impact non-profits, potentially adding administrative burdens or causing them to lose crucial funding or tax-exempt status, which might disrupt vital services they provide to communities. The removal of the protection regarding immigration status verification for beneficiaries could also change how some non-profits operate and serve vulnerable populations. If this bill becomes law, there will be more scrutiny and potential consequences for non-profits; if it doesn't, the current system of accountability for these specific issues in federal funding to non-profits would remain unchanged.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Requires all non-profit entities to certify to the Office of Management and Budget that they are in compliance with federal laws regarding human trafficking, alien smuggling, fraud, bribery, or gratuity to receive federal funds.
This makes it mandatory for non-profits to attest to their legal compliance in specific areas before or while receiving federal money.
high
Mandates that non-profit entities failing to submit the required certification or found in violation of alien smuggling laws must repay federal funds and lose their tax-exempt status.
These are significant financial penalties that could severely impact non-profits' operations and ability to serve their communities.
med
Directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to develop a strategy and best practices guide for non-profits to comply with federal law, including how to detect and report human trafficking and alien smuggling.
This provision aims to provide resources and clear guidelines to help non-profits avoid unintentional involvement in illegal activities.
high
Removes a provision in existing law (8 U.S.C. 1642(d)) that prevented non-profit charitable organizations from being required to verify the immigration status of applicants for federal public benefits.
This change could allow the government to require non-profits to verify the immigration status of people receiving benefits, potentially altering how services are provided.
Non-profit entities that do not submit certification or are determined to have violated 8 U.S.C. 1324
administrative
Denial of tax-exempt status under Section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code
Organizations described in section 501(c) that do not submit certification or are determined to have violated 8 U.S.C. 1324
GLOSSARY
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Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
A federal agency that helps the President prepare the budget and oversees the performance of federal agencies, ensuring that government programs are effective and efficient.
Non-profit entity
An organization that operates for a collective, public, or social benefit, rather than for the financial gain of its owners. These organizations often qualify for tax-exempt status.
Human trafficking
The use of force, fraud, or coercion to exploit a person for labor or commercial sex. This is a serious crime and a grave human rights violation.
Alien smuggling
The illegal activity of bringing people across international borders without authorization, typically for a fee or other benefit to the smuggler.
Certification
A formal statement or document confirming that certain conditions have been met or that certain facts are true, often required by law or regulation.
Tax exemption
A privilege granted by the government that frees certain organizations (like non-profits) from the requirement to pay taxes on their income or property, often because they serve a public good.
Comptroller General
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTS
FEB 10, 25
Introduced in House
INTROREFERRAL
FEB 10, 25
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Oversight and Government Reform, and Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
The head of the Government Accountability Office (GAO), an independent agency that provides audit, evaluation, and investigative services for the U.S. Congress, often referred to as 'the investigative arm of Congress'.
Federal public benefits
Programs and services provided or funded by the federal government, such as housing assistance, food aid, medical care, or educational grants, intended to help individuals and families.
