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

 (NASHVILLE, TN), June 25, 2010 -- State Senator Diane Black (R-Gallatin) today called on Governor Phil Bredesen to sign legislation she co-sponsored requiring 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 requires the jail keeper to fax, email or send a copy of the booking information.  Last week the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) made a plea to the Governor to veto the legislation.

“We worked very hard to pass a strong bill to make sure our communities are safer,” said Senator Black.  “I strongly encourage the Governor to review this matter carefully and to sign this legislation.”

The bill was transmitted to the Governor on June 16.  The Governor has 10 days after that date to sign the legislation, veto it, or to let it become law without his signature.  The 10 days do not apply to Sundays, meaning he has until Monday to make a decision on the matter.

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 applied the bill statewide so that every county in Tennessee has the same uniform standard and that sheriff's do not become vulnerable to lawsuits. The only counties not covered under the legislation, as the bill was passed, are those who have already entered into a memorandum of understanding with the United States Department of Homeland Security or ICE concerning enforcement of federal immigration laws.

“Washington has failed to control our borders and so we as state leaders must take action,” added 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.  The Governor should sign this legislation so Tennessee will not be a haven for illegal aliens."

If signed, the bill will take effect January 1, 2011.