Legislature Reviews 'Sanctuary State' Bill

The Judiciary Committee of the Nebraska Legislature is reviewing a Bill called the "Limited Immigration Inquiry Act."

The Bill is sponsored by Sen. Megan Hunt.

The purpose of the bill is to "promote the health and safety of all residents of Nebraska by encouraging immigrants to cooperate with the government, especially in reporting violations of the law."

The Bill says the Limited Immigration Inquiry Act is not intended to prevent peace offices or government employees or officials from knowing a person's immigration status, so long as the person has offered the information. It also says that a peace officer may inquire about a person's immigration status if required by state or federal law. However, if a peace officer or government official learns about a person's immigration status, it cannot be shared with anyone including other peace officers. The exception is if the peace officer is required by court order, or federal law, or is required or permitted by state law to share the immigration status with a third party.

The Bill also keeps law enforcement from inquiring into the immigration status of anyone who interacts with law enforcement, unless required by court order or federal or state law. The Bill clarifies that an officer may inquire into a person's immigration status if it is required by state or federal law. The Nebraska Commission on Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice would be expected to provide training for law enforcement and other government agencies.

The Bill was introduced Jan. 22 and referred to the Judiciary Committee Jan. 24.