Legislation targeting illegal immigrant renters moves ahead
Howard Fischer

PHOENIX — A House panel approved legislation Wednesday night designed to hit illegal immigrants where they live — literally.

On a 10-6 margin the Appropriations Committee voted to make it illegal for landlords to rent to those who do not present certain documents that show they have the right to be in the United States. Violators could be fined up to $250 a day.

HB 2625 now goes to the full House.

Thursday’s vote came after Rep. Russell Pearce, R-Mesa, agreed to make some changes designed to overcome objections by landlords and real estate agents.

Rather than putting them in the position of figuring out and verifying who is legal, the legislation now spells out that they must ask prospective renters to provide one of a list of 12 acceptable documents. These range from a state driver’s license or birth certificate to a U.S. visa issued to foreign visitors.

It also provides immunity from lawsuit for any landlord who refuses to rent to someone not here legally.
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