Associated Press - February 25, 2009 1:25 PM ET

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - State lawmakers have advanced a compromise illegal-immigration bill to the next round of debate. Meanwhile, questions about in-state tuition for some illegal immigrants will get a public hearing.

The bill would require public employers and contractors to check new employees' legal status once hired. It would also require that state and local agencies verify the legal status of anyone trying to collect public benefits.

Sen. Charlie Janssen of Fremont withdrew his amendment that would overturn a state law that lets some children of illegal immigrants pay the lower, in-state college tuition rates.

Speaker Mike Flood said the amendment needs a public hearing.

Janssen says he'll reintroduce it on the next round of bill debate.


On the Net:

Nebraska Legislature, http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov

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