Senator Whitney Westerfield of Christian County chairs the Judiciary Committee that forwarded on a bill Thursday banning sanctuary cities in Kentucky and says it’s about making sure federal law is followed.
The legislation would prohibit law enforcement officials and other public officials from enforcing any sanctuary policy, a term applied to jurisdictions that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
Senator Westerfield acknowledges there are currently no sanctuary cities in Kentucky, but he agrees with the measure to be sure federal law is followed in the Commonwealth.
He does believe Congress should act to simplify the legal immigration process for those wanting to enter the country for better opportunities.
The bill would also require law enforcement and other public agencies to use their best efforts, considering available resources, to support the enforcement of federal immigration law. The amended version of the bill expanded exemptions from local school districts to rape crisis centers, domestic violence centers and other groups that provide social services.
The legislation now awaits a vote from the full Senate.