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Bill

SB 63

Immigration, requires law enforcement agencies to collect and submit fingerprints and DNA from illegal aliens in custody

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Lance Bell

Alabama law now requires law enforcement to collect fingerprints and DNA from people in custody determined to be undocumented immigrants for database submission and identification.

Enacted
#immigration
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 63

Legislative bill overview

SB 63 mandates that law enforcement agencies in Alabama collect fingerprints and DNA samples from individuals in custody who are determined to be in the country illegally. These biometric materials must be submitted to relevant databases for identification and record-keeping purposes.

Why is this important

The bill affects how local law enforcement processes undocumented immigrants, potentially creating standardized biometric records at the state level. This impacts both immigration enforcement operations and raises questions about data storage, privacy protections, and coordination between local and federal authorities.

Potential points of contention

  • Privacy and data security concerns: DNA collection and storage raise questions about data protection, retention periods, potential misuse, and whether safeguards prevent unauthorized access or secondary uses beyond immigration enforcement
  • Local law enforcement burden: Mandating collection and submission procedures may increase costs and administrative workload for agencies without corresponding state/federal funding
  • Due process and legal status determination: Disputes may arise over who qualifies as "illegal alien," chain-of-custody procedures, accuracy of immigration status determination at local levels, and appeal processes if determinations are incorrect
  • Federal-state coordination gaps: Unclear protocols for data sharing with federal agencies (ICE, FBI) and whether state collection supplements or duplicates existing federal biometric systems

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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