House passes immigrant law after UGA student killed on Crossroads Day

ATLANTA, Georgia (Atlanta News First) - One of the most controversial and emotional bills being considered in this year's Georgia General Assembly passed the state House early Friday evening, on a day known as "crossroads" day. The bill would allow local law enforcement to cooperate with federal agents in immigration enforcement and imposes criminal penalties on sheriffs who fail to contact federal officials to verify the immigration status of inmates. The bill is proposed after the University of Georgia is still suffering from the murder of former medical school student Laken Riley, allegedly committed by Jose Antonio Ibarra, who is not a legal U.S. citizen.

Separation Day

Dividing Day is one of the most important milestones of Georgia's annual legislative session, and today marks the day. In order for a bill to pass, it must be passed by one of the two legislative chambers. Bills that do not pass on this day can no longer be considered in the current session. If a bill passes both houses before the end of the session, it will be sent to the governor, who can approve or reject it. After the session ends, the governor has 40 days to make a decision. If the governor takes no action within that time, the bill becomes law.

Some key suggestions

Some key proposals have already passed, including a constitutional amendment that could allow for a state referendum to legalize sports betting and a plan to cut income taxes. Proposals that seek to limit automatic voter registration and restrict private schools from communicating with students about gender identity probably won't pass.

Immigration Bill 1105

Immigration Bill 1105 requires local law enforcement agencies to cooperate with federal agents in immigration enforcement and criminalizes sheriffs who fail to contact federal officials to verify the immigration status of detainees.

Senate Bill 390 prohibits state and municipal agencies from providing funds to the American Library Association. According to the proposal, the ideology of this organization is harmful. However, Valdosta State University can still use private funds to maintain accreditation of its library science program.

Opponents of Senate Bill 180 argue that it would allow discrimination against LGBT people in the name of religion, while its supporters believe the bill aims to protect religious freedom.

Georgia citizens may get a chance to vote in November on a state constitutional amendment to allow sports betting after the Senate passed Senate Resolution 579. House Bill 1180 would require greater use of local film production workers to qualify for a tax credit equal to 30 percent of the state's annual budget, and limits the sale of credits to third parties to no more than 2.5 percent of the annual budget, or about $900 million.

This article will provide you with complete coverage of the murder of a University of Georgia student. Atlanta News First and Atlanta News First+ bring you the latest news and analysis on the nation's top political story, Georgia. Download our Atlanta News First mobile app to get the latest news from the political sphere.

Copyright 2024 WANF. All rights reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this article.