State and Local Legislation Bulletin
Sharma Hammond, Esq., Editor · Issue 1, April 2007

In this Issue:
Victories in State Legislation
New Local Legislation
New Bills
Bills Encouraging Illegal Immigration

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Victories in State Legislation

Oklahoma HB1804
HB1804, dealing with clamping down on illegal immigration passed the Senate conference in April with a 41-6 vote. Representative Randy Terrill worked with IRLI over a period of several years to refine the wording of this important legislation. HB 1804 is a true omnibus immigration reform bill. HB 1804 prevents illegal aliens from obtaining public benefits or driver's licenses, prohibits employers from employing illegal aliens, and prevents landlords from renting to unauthorized aliens. In addition, the employers are required to enroll in the Basic Pilot program to check the lawful status of their employees. HB 1804, the Citizens and Taxpayers Protection Act, had unprecedented bi-partisan support because it focuses on measures related to deterring unauthorized employment and protecting US workers and civic-minded businesses, while safeguarding due process protections for all. This is a momentous occasion and will hopefully spur other states to take similar action to combat illegal immigration as well.

Maryland HB6
HB6 died in the Environmental Education and Health Senate Committee. This was a bill which would have permitted illegal aliens to receive in-state tuition in public higher education schools in Maryland. IRLI testified in opposition of this bill on April 4th at the hearing as did other concerned citizens. Subsequently, the Senators decided not to consider this bill at this session likely due to the amount of controversy and opposition involved.

California SB268
SB268 would strike the provision which would exempt illegal aliens from paying out of state tuition. Essentially, this bill would prevent illegal aliens from paying resident tuition. This bill was introduced by Senator McClintock this month. This is a bill to watch closely as California has generally been liberal in providing benefits and encouraging illegal aliens.

West Virginia SB70
SB70 passed both houses and was signed by the Governor on April 3rd. This bill would provide penalties for employing unauthorized workers. Since the federal government has been lackadaisical in enforcing the immigration laws against big business, States have had to take the lead.

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New Local Legislation

Dana Point, California
Dana Point became the third city in Orange County to pass a no trespassing ordinance. The ordinance prohibits day laborers, the homeless and teenagers from congregating on private property. This city followed suit after Mission Viejo and Lake Forest.

Deerfield Township, Ohio
Deerfield Township trustees approved legislation on April 17th that would require vendors to provide written proof that they don't hire unauthorized aliens. Contractors would need to demonstrate they have complied with federal immigration laws for the past four years.

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New Bills

North Carolina HB1485
HB1485 was introduced mid April and passed the House on the first reading. This bill provides that before public benefits are dispersed to an individual, their lawful status will be checked with the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlement (SAVE). Also, it requires the state to begin enforcing federal immigration laws, prisoners will be checked for lawful status and an unauthorized alien can not receive a tax deduction

Alabama HB737
HB737 was introduced in the last week of April. This bill penalizes employers for hiring illegal aliens. Also, a private party may sue an employer violating this bill. This bill would force employers to comply with the federal immigration laws.

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Bills Encouraging Illegal Immigration

Illinois HB1100
HB1100 is now being considered in the Senate. This bill would allow illegal aliens to obtain drivers licenses. IRLI believes that HB1100 would violate the Real ID Act which requires lawful status to obtain a drivers license and make it easy for terrorists to move freely within our country, just as the 9/11 terrorists did.

New York SB5005
HB5005 provides that consular identification photos can be utilized to obtain a driver's license. Further, eligibility for obtaining a driver's license is not conditioned on a particular immigration status. New York is taking the lead from Illinois in allowing illegal aliens an opportunity to illegally obtain U.S. driver's licenses.