Illegal immigrant bill hearing tomorrow

A hearing about legislation that would penalize businesses that knowingly hire illegal immigrants begins at 9 a.m. tomorrow before the House Committee on Public Policy in the House chamber at the Statehouse.

The bill, authored by Sen. Mike Delph, R-Carmel, has passed the Senate, and makes it a misdemeanor for transporting, shielding from detection, concealing or harboring an illegal alien for commercial or financial gain.

Businesses found to knowingly hire illegals get a warning following a first offense. A second offense within 10 years could result in a court suspending the business’ license for 10 days, and a third offense could result in the court revoking the license.