Case Explained: Kansas bill would make immigration enforcement near polls a crime – Legal Perspective

TOPEKA, Kan. (KCTV) – Kansas Senator Cindy Holscher (D-Overland Park) helped introduce legislation banning federal immigration enforcement within 400 feet of polling places.

Senate Bill 507 would bar the enforcement of federal immigration laws near polling locations and areas used for canvassing, auditing or recounting ballots.

Violators could face up to a year in jail and a $2,500 fine under the proposal.

Holscher said the measure aims to protect voters from intimidation.

“This bill will help legal Kansas citizens cast their ballots without fear of harassment or intimidation,” Holscher told KCTV5. “The unfortunate truth is that ICE agents have been caught repeatedly intimidating and even detaining legal U.S. citizens simply for expressing their viewpoints.”

“We can’t allow that to happen near polling places,” she added. “Federal authorities have no business harassing citizens exercising their constitutional right to vote based on their race, ethnicity, or political views.”

What the bill does

The legislation creates a 400-foot buffer zone around any entrance to a polling place where immigration enforcement is prohibited.

The bill also extends the same protections to locations where election officials conduct canvassing, auditing and recounting of ballots.

SB 507 amends four existing Kansas election statutes to add the immigration enforcement prohibition.

What happens next

The bill was introduced on Thursday, Feb. 12, at Holscher’s request and referred to the Senate Committee on Federal and State Affairs on Friday. It is not currently scheduled for a hearing.

If passed, the law would take effect upon publication in the statute book.

KCTV5 has reached out to Republican Senate leadership for comment on the proposed legislation.

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