Legislation sponsored by State Rep. Woody Burton to align Indiana colleges and universities with the state’s sanctuary cities law passed the House Tuesday.
Senate Bill 423 would include postsecondary educational institutions under a sanctuary city law that was enacted in 2011. The bill would require colleges and universities that receive state or federal funds to align their policies with an existing state law that prohibits sanctuary cities and towns. Current law prohibits a government body from enacting policies that restrict another governmental body from taking actions regarding the citizenship or immigration status of an individual, whether lawful or unlawful.
“My intention in sponsoring this bill is keeping our college students and their communities safe,” Burton said. “If law enforcement, for example, is investigating an issue on a Hoosier campus, the college or university should not hinder their efforts or withhold information. This bill would ensure that colleges are aligned with a preexisting statewide policy and federal law.”
Senate Bill 423 passed the House and will now be considered further by the Senate. Visit iga.in.gov to learn more about this legislation.
