Contact:  Darlene Schlicher (615) 741-6336 or email:  darlene.schlicher@capitol.tn.us

(NASHVILLE, TN), June 9, 2010 -- The General Assembly approved legislation today calling for Tennessee jails to send information to the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement office (ICE) regarding prisoners who do not have documentation that they are in the U.S. legally.  The bill, co-sponsored by Senator Diane Black (R-Gallatin), requires the jail keeper to fax, email or send a copy of the booking information.

"Washington has failed to control our borders and so we as state leaders must take action,” said Senator Black.  “This is a tough, statewide standard that will ensure that America's immigration laws will be enforced at the local level. We have to stop illegal immigration in this country and if Washington won't, we in Tennessee will."

Under an amendment added by Senator Black and adopted by the House and Senate, the legislation calls for statewide standards to be developed by the POST (Police Officers Standard Training) Commission.  Black’s amendment put back into the bill counties that were previously deleted by the Senators representing them by addressing the concerns of local governments.  The provision helps to ensure that Tennessee will not be open to lawsuits that have been problematic in other localities with similar laws. 

“The amendment strengthens the bill,” said Senator Dolores Gresham (R-Somerville) upon passage of the bill in the Senate.  “All counties should provide this information to protect our citizens.  It is a matter of national security that must be addressed.”

The bill does not apply to any county or municipality that enters into a memorandum of understanding with the United States Department of Homeland Security or ICE concerning enforcement of federal immigration laws, which has more stringent standards.
 
The legislation now goes to the governor for his signature before becoming law.  If signed, it will take effect January 1, 2011.