Illegal immigration bill targets ‘bad actors’-WEB ONLY

A bill that would revoke the business licenses of companies that repeatedly hire illegal workers won unanimous support from a Senate committee yesterday.

The committee took the unusual step of holding three separate meetings on the proposal – listening to supporters and opponents – before taking a vote.

Sen. Mike Delph (R-Carmel) supports legislation to punish companies hiring illegal workers. He noted that the legislation saves the toughest punishments for companies that knowingly and repeatedly hire illegal workers.

“You have to be a really bad actor – very stupid – to be hurt by Senate Bill 580,” Delph said.

The bill now moves to the full Republican-led Senate for consideration. But even if it clears the Senate, it may struggle in the Democratic-controlled House.

House Speaker Patrick Bauer has said he believes immigration is a federal issue and that he prefers the House doesn’t deal with the topic this session.

Lawmakers considered a similar immigration proposal last year, spurring impassioned speeches, political maneuvering and long hours of committee meetings. The House and Senate both approved versions of that bill, but could not reach a compromise on legislation by the end of the session.

A study committee made up of House and Senate members worked on the issue over the summer. They heard hours of testimony over several meetings. But in the end, they could not agree on even a basic immigration proposal.

Delph said his constituents want state lawmakers to deal with the issue. And he hopes some form of immigration legislation can pass this session.

“The legislative process is a long one,” he said.