State lawmakers have finished crafting a new bill intended to crack down on illegal immigration.

Peachtree City Republican Representative Matt Ramsey says the bill expands local law enforcement’s ability to check the citizenship of those suspected of a crime.

"This bill would give them the authority if they have reasonable suspicion to believe the person is in the country illegally would be able to seek to verify that individual’s citizenship."

Ramsey says the bill encourages local governments to partner with the federal immigration enforcement authorities.

The legislation also requires private companies in Georgia register with a federal citizenship program to ensure all new hires are legal.

Tags: General Assembly, state lawmakers, illegal immigration, Rep. Matt Ramsey