STATEHOUSE — A bill co-authored by State Sen. Eric Koch (R-Bedford) that addresses illegal immigration in Indiana was ceremonially signed into law by the governor on Tuesday.
Senate Enrolled Act 76, called the FAIRNESS Act, aligns with the federal government’s work to enforce immigration law with tools available at the state level and strengthens cooperation between Indiana and federal law enforcement. To do this, SEA 76 requires police and government entities to comply with immigration detainer requests against individuals in their custody. It also requires the Indiana Department of Correction to establish minimum standards and training opportunities for county jails to ensure proper cooperation with U.S. immigration enforcement.
The law also prohibits businesses from knowingly employing illegal immigrants and requires the Family and Social Services Administration to submit an annual report giving detailed information on how many non-citizens are enrolled in benefits programs like SNAP and Medicaid.
“We must ensure that we are actively working with the federal government to combat illegal immigration in our state,” Koch said. “The FAIRNESS Act will ensure Indiana has the tools it needs to work with the federal government to crack down on illegal immigration and keep Hoosiers safe.”
Koch is the chairman of the Senate Committee on Utilities, ranking member of the Senate committees on Commerce and Technology and Judiciary, and a member of the Senate Committee on Corrections and Criminal Law. He represents Senate District 44, which includes Brown, Jackson, Lawrence, and Orange counties, and a portion of Monroe County.
