STATEHOUSE (Feb. 21, 2013) — Legislation authored by State Sen. Jim Banks (R-Columbia City) to protect the constitutional rights of Hoosiers passed out of the Senate today by a vote of 31-17.

Senate Bill 400 – referred to as the Prohibition on Aiding the Enforcement of Unconstitutional Laws Act – prevents state officials from helping with the implementation of federal laws that do not protect citizens’ due process rights, such as the indefinite detention of an Indiana citizen. If a state official intentionally carries out or assists in the implementation of such an act, the bill would make him or her guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.

“As evidenced by recent legislation, the federal government has sacrificed the liberty of its citizens on the altar of national security,” Banks said. “As a state, we’re obligated to defend our citizens, and to do that, we must be proactive in preserving essential freedoms. For that reason, I feel it’s vital that we implement this legislation.”

The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for further consideration. Reps. Jud McMillin (R-Brookville), Mike Speedy (R-Indianapolis) and Thomas Washburne (R-Inglefield) are its sponsors.