Kayla Hamilton Act

Sponsored byRep. Fry, Russell [R-SC-7]SC· Introduced 14 July 2025

Open on Congress.gov

Cosponsors

Actions

Amendments

Committees

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Since introduced

Introduced

Committee

Passed Chamber

Passed Both

Enacted

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Latest action

Received in the Senate.

17 December 2025·7 months ago

Summary

Introduced in House · Updated 10 September 2025

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.

Timeline

24 actions

Received in the Senate.
17 December 2025 · IntroReferral
On motion to recommit Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 208 - 218 (Roll no. 339).
16 December 2025 · Floor
The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
16 December 2025 · Floor
Ms. Stansbury moved to recommit to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text: CR H5927)
16 December 2025 · Floor
DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 4371.
16 December 2025 · Floor
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)
16 December 2025 · Floor
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.
16 December 2025 · Floor
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 951. (consideration: CR H5921-5927)
16 December 2025 · Floor
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.
16 December 2025 · Floor
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H5933-5934)
16 December 2025 · Floor
The previous question on the motion to recommit was ordered pursuant to clause 2(b) of rule XIX.
16 December 2025 · Floor
The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
16 December 2025 · Floor
Rule H. Res. 951 passed House.
16 December 2025 · Floor
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)
16 December 2025 · Floor
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.
16 December 2025 · Floor
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
16 December 2025 · Floor
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 297.
17 October 2025 · Calendars
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 119-345.
17 October 2025 · Committee
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 119-345.
17 October 2025 · Committee
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
10 September 2025 · Committee

4 earlier actionsView all on Congress.gov

Sponsorship

2 cosponsors

Sponsor

Rep. Fry, Russell [R-SC-7]SC

Cosponsors

Republican2100%

Republican:Rep. Moore, Barry [R-AL-1]AL
Republican:Rep. Nehls, Troy E. [R-TX-22]TX

Classification

Policy area

Crime and Law Enforcement

Legislative subjects

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

Committees

Judiciary Committee
House · Standing
- Referred To14 Jul 2025
- Markup By10 Sept 2025
- Reported By17 Oct 2025
- Unknown16 Dec 2025
- Unknown16 Dec 2025

Reports

H. Rept. 119-345

Amendments

HAMDT 135Agreed
16 December 2025

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