(AP) -- COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - The South Carolina Senate briefly debated an anti-illegal immigration bill that would direct officers to call federal authorities if they think a suspect is in the country illegally.
The Senate adjourned Thursday without taking any significant votes.
Under the measure, officers must try to check the immigration status of a person they think is in the country illegally. The attempt would follow a stop or arrest for something else.
Legislators say there's a huge difference between this measure and the Arizona law. South Carolina's proposal doesn't allow someone to be held on suspicion of being illegal. Supporters say they crafted a bill that doesn't conflict with federal law.
Republican Sen. Jake Knotts of West Columbia called it feel-good legislation.
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