The bill amends the Code of Alabama 1975 to strengthen immigration enforcement by requiring jail administrators to assess whether detained individuals are illegal aliens under certain conditions. It establishes a new crime of human smuggling, classified as a Class C felony, for knowingly transporting illegal aliens into the state, while providing exceptions for professionals like attorneys and healthcare providers. Additionally, the bill introduces a new definition for "illegal alien," which refers to individuals not lawfully present in the U.S. under federal law, and repeals the existing Section 31-13-13 that previously addressed illegal aliens.

In terms of terminology, the bill modifies existing language by replacing "person" with "individual" and clarifying definitions related to immigration status, including "lawful presence" and "unlawfully present." It mandates law enforcement to make reasonable attempts to determine an individual's immigration status when feasible, without hindering ongoing investigations. The bill also outlines that individuals presenting valid identification documents can be presumed not to be illegal aliens. These amendments aim to streamline the verification process and enhance the legal framework for immigration enforcement in Alabama, with the bill set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 31-13-3, 31-13-12, 31-13-18
Engrossed: 31-13-3, 31-13-12, 31-13-18
Enrolled: 31-13-3, 31-13-12, 31-13-18