SB39 Summary

• Requires any person age 19 or older to provide proof of lawful presence in the United States before receiving state, local, or federal public benefits.

• Exempts verification requirements for emergency medical treatment, disaster relief, public health assistance (immunizations, family planning, communicable disease treatment), prenatal care, and child welfare programs necessary for protection of life or safety.

• Establishes verification methods: applicants must produce a valid Alabama driver's license, military identification, Coast Guard Merchant Mariner card, Native American tribal document, or execute an affidavit stating they are a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident.

• Requires verification of aliens claiming lawful presence through the federal Systematic Alien Verification of Entitlement (SAVE) program operated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

• Mandates reasonable efforts to determine citizenship status of persons charged with felonies or driving under the influence who are confined in county or municipal jails, with verification made through federal query within 48 hours.

• Makes false statements in affidavits punishable as perjury in the second degree, with each benefit received constituting a separate violation.

• Becomes effective October 1, 2010.