What it does
SourcedKayla 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.
Official summary by the Congressional Research Service (Introduced in House, Jul 14, 2025).
Our plain-language breakdown, with what it means for you and the case for and against, is written once a bill starts to move.
What has happened
Sourced- Dec 16, 2025Passed/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) Roll call recordLibrary of Congress
- Oct 17, 2025Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 119-345.Library of Congress
- Jul 14, 2025Introduced in HouseLibrary of Congress
Recorded votes
Sourced- Dec 16, 2025 · HousePassed 225–201On Passage · needed a majority
1 other recorded vote (procedure and amendments)
- Dec 16, 2025 · HouseFailed 208–218On Motion to Recommit · needed a majority
Cosponsors
- Barry Moore R-AL-1
- Troy E. Nehls R-TX-22