The bill amends existing laws regarding obstruction of justice and malfeasance in office, specifically addressing the interference with federal immigration enforcement activities. It introduces new provisions that classify acts intended to hinder or obstruct federal immigration enforcement as a crime, with specific penalties outlined for such actions. For instance, if the obstruction involves a civil immigration proceeding, offenders may face fines up to $5,000 and imprisonment for up to one year. Additionally, if the obstruction pertains to an official act of a governmental entity, the penalties include fines of up to $1,000 and imprisonment for up to six months.

Furthermore, the bill expands the definition of malfeasance in office to include actions by public officers or employees that intentionally refuse to perform their lawful duties or unlawfully perform them, as well as knowingly releasing individuals from custody without notifying U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) when they are aware that the individual is in the country illegally. It also mandates compliance with lawful requests from federal immigration authorities, ensuring that local law enforcement cooperates with 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)