California Gov. Gavin Newsom is considering legislation that would disqualify former Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and contractors from most public-sector jobs in the state.

The measure, known as the Get the Feds Out Act or GTFO Act, received final legislative approval on Aug. 31 when the Assembly concurred in Senate amendments. It now sits on Newsom's desk, and he has until Sept. 30 to sign or veto it.

The bill would bar individuals who engaged in federal immigration enforcement between Jan. 20, 2025, and Jan. 20, 2029, from holding positions with state, county, city, school district, or other public entities. This includes roles as peace officers, teachers, social workers, and civil servants. Applicants would need to submit a declaration under penalty of perjury disclosing any such prior work.

For those seeking to become police officers, the bill requires a suitability review by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training. Hiring agencies could consider news articles, verified social media posts, and civil complaints as part of the background check. An exception exists for officers accepted into a police agency who complete the state's basic training course, though suitability remains subject to case-by-case determination.

The legislation marks the first state-level effort of its kind to screen out former federal immigration enforcement personnel from public employment. Supporters, including Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas and Sen. Lena Gonzalez, have framed it as upholding moral standards for public servants amid heightened federal immigration operations under the Trump administration.

Republican lawmakers criticized the measure during debate, calling it unconstitutional and likely to harm police recruitment. Legal experts have noted that the federal government retains primary authority over immigration enforcement, raising questions about potential court challenges if the bill becomes law.

Newsom has not indicated his position on the GTFO Act. The governor has until the end of the month to act on it and other measures passed in the final days of the legislative session.