Lawmakers order analysis of immigration costs


Legislators failed this year to pass a bill dealing with the growing problem of illegal immigration in the state, but they will try again next year.

When they do, they will be armed with an analysis by the Legislative Division of Post Audit, which legislators hope will help them draft a bill that can make it to Gov. Kathleen Sebelius.

This year, efforts to deal illegal immigrants started out with strong get-tough plans in the House and Senate, but both chambers watered down the measure after objections by the business sector.

A compromise bill died in a negotiating committee, largely because House Democrats refused to back off demands to include criminal penalties for businesses that illegally treat any worker as an independent subcontractor.

Rep. Nile Dillmore, a Democrat from Wichita, added language to the budget requiring the audit that will focus on the costs of illegal immigration to the state. The report is expected to be completed during the next legislative session, which starts Jan. 12.
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