Senate Bill No. SLS 25RS-129, introduced by Senator Morris, aims to strengthen the legal framework surrounding obstruction of justice and malfeasance in office, particularly in relation to federal immigration enforcement. The bill amends existing laws to explicitly include acts that hinder, delay, prevent, or interfere with federal immigration enforcement efforts as a form of obstruction of justice. It establishes penalties for such actions, including fines of up to $5,000 and imprisonment for up to one year for obstruction related to civil immigration proceedings, and fines of up to $1,000 and imprisonment for up to six months for obstruction involving official acts of governmental agents.

Additionally, the bill expands the definition of malfeasance in office to include knowingly releasing individuals from custody without notifying U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) when the agency is aware that the individual is unlawfully present in the United States. It also mandates that executive law enforcement officials comply with lawful requests from federal immigration agencies. The proposed changes are set to take effect on August 1, 2025, and aim to enhance cooperation between state and federal authorities in immigration enforcement matters.

Statutes affected:
SB15 Original: 14:134(A)
SB15 Engrossed: 14:1(A), 14:134(A)
SB15 Reengrossed: 14:1(A), 14:134(A)