Senate links immigration checks, road money

ATLANTA - The Georgia Senate wants to penalize local governments that don't check whether the workers they're hiring are illegal immigrants.

The chamber voted 30-17 on Wednesday to withhold state road funding to cities or counties that don't use a federal database to check the immigration status of would-be workers. Local governments must also determine if people who receive public benefits are in the country legally.

The checks were required by the sweeping immigration law the Legislature approved three years ago. But the law lacked penalties for those who failed to comply. Supporters said the new bill adds teeth.

The bill has passed the House but the Senate made some changes. A conference committee is expected to iron out the differences.