After Last-Minute Negotiations, Indiana Passes Immigration Enforcement Bill
In a last-minute rush, the Indiana Legislature acted Friday to pass SB 590, significant immigration enforcement legislation. (Inside Indiana Business, May 2, 2011)

Although Senator Mike Delph had introduced the bill in January, differing amendments in the House and Senate forced legislators into a conference committee to reach an agreement on final language as time ran out on the 2011 session. (Action List SB 590; See FAIR Legislative Update, Apr. 25, 2011)

Although the Senators were able to replace some of the provisions that the House had stripped during conference committee, the final report reveals that the bill is more similar to the pared-down version passed by the Indiana House. (Conference Committee Report) For example, the conference committee did not restore a crucial provision which would allow law enforcement to verify the immigration status of individuals lawfully stopped. (Id.) In addition, while the committee left intact the E-Verify provision that requires state agencies, political subdivisions, public contractors and certain subcontractors to use E-Verify, the final report added language that ensures the E-Verify requirement only applies to state contracts entered into or renewed after June 30, 2011. (Id.) However, the Senate was able to reinstate the original requirement that only English by used in public documents and official communications, with an exception added for teaching and parents of students. (Id.)

In order to eliminate sanctuary cities, the final bill also includes a provision prohibiting governmental bodies from limiting the full enforcement of federal immigration laws and gives Indiana residents the right to file suit against a governmental body that does so. (§2) The two chambers also agreed to keep the original bill’s language which prohibits employers from claiming tax deductions for wages paid to illegal aliens, unless the employer participates in the E-Verify program. (§§4-7)

Governor Mitch Daniels (R) originally encouraged the House to delete some of the more forceful provisions of the Senate version of the immigration bill.

Daniels is considering a Presidential run! Please let him know that interior enforcement is his only chance!

http://www.in.gov/gov/2631.htm