The bill amends existing laws regarding obstruction of justice and malfeasance in office, specifically addressing criminal interference with federal immigration enforcement activities. It introduces new provisions that define obstruction of justice to include acts intended to hinder federal immigration enforcement efforts. The penalties for obstruction of justice are also updated, establishing fines and imprisonment terms for offenses related to civil immigration proceedings and official acts of governmental employees.

Additionally, the bill outlines specific actions that constitute malfeasance in office for public officers and employees, including the failure to notify U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) before releasing individuals who may have entered or remained in the U.S. unlawfully. It also mandates compliance with lawful requests from federal immigration agencies, emphasizing that such requests should be honored if they pertain to individuals who are in violation of immigration laws. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen cooperation between state and federal immigration enforcement efforts.

Statutes affected:
SB15 Original: 14:134(A)
SB15 Engrossed: 14:1(A), 14:134(A)
SB15 Reengrossed: 14:1(A), 14:134(A)
SB15 Enrolled: 14:1(A), 14:134(A)
SB15 Act 399: 14:1(A), 14:134(A)