Senate OKs illegal immigration bill

JEFFERSON CITY — Senators have approved legislation adding penalties and restrictions on illegal immigrants and employers.

Senators passed the bill 27-7 today, but it has a provision House leaders don’t like. It would allow employers who misclassify workers as “contractors” instead of “employees” to be fined up to $50,000.

The bill also would require people to prove they are U.S. citizens or legally in the country when applying for food stamps, housing and other public benefits; penalize businesses that knowingly hire illegal immigrants; and order the Missouri State Highway Patrol to seek federal immigration training.

The bill now goes back to the House. The legislative session ends Friday.