Thread: Indiana: Loop hole Fixed in Immigration bill SB 335

This is a response from Indiana House Rep Terri Austin on changes to SB 335. Closing the loop holes.


Dear MKFarnam,





Thank you for your continued interest in the immigration issue before the Indiana General Assembly. As you may know, Senate Bill 335 is no longer up for consideration. Similar language to the illegal alien matters bill was amended into Senate Bill 345 by Rep. Vern Tincher (D-Riley). The bill faces a third reading vote today in the House of Representatives.



Rep. Tincher’s amendment to SB 345 acts in the same way as SB 335 in that state agencies and local units of government are not allowed to adopt policies that prevent employees from notifying the federal authorities of immigration violations. It is important to realize this bill was strengthened by the elimination of loopholes created by the original language.



Another important change made to SB 335 spoke to the fact that absolutely no funding was included to help offset the cost of implementing and enforcing the elements of this bill. Because of that, we included $1 Million to the Indiana State Police as a way to ensure our plan of action is carried out properly.



Another important change we made to add force to the policy is the inclusion of a five year timetable for violations instead of a ten year timeframe. The Governor was also given the ability to reverse any decision.



The House also decided that further, detailed study of this matter is essential, thus calling for the creation of a new study commission to discover the impact (fiscal and otherwise) of illegal immigration on the state of Indiana .



The prohibition of state or local agencies conducting business with companies that employ illegal aliens remains in tact, as suggested by the Senate. We have also retained the provision that requires the Department of Workforce Development to electronically verify employees in question.



I’m sure you’ll see that this measure has been appropriately balanced by changes made in the House. Terri wanted you to know that as your state representative, it is her duty to listen to your concerns. It was made known to her that this measure is very important to her constituents and she thanks you for your continued interest in this issue.



Thank you,

Jared Sloane,

Legislative Assistant

Thanks MKFarnam!