Indiana immigrant bill altered

INDIANAPOLIS, Feb. 19 (UPI) -- An immigration bill that includes less-stringent sanctions against employers has advanced in the Indiana Legislature.

A provision was added to the measure that refers cases in which undocumented workers are hired to administrative court rather than criminal court.

The bill still would revoke the business licenses of companies that hire illegal workers three times within a five-year period. The bill originally had called for 10 years.

The Indianapolis Star said Hispanic legislators had opposed the bill, however it was passed by the House Public Policy Committee Monday on a 7-4 vote.

The newspaper said the passage increases the chances the bill will make it through the state Legislature during the current session.