Immigration bills support federal policies
February 24, 2009
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HELENA (AP) — Measures affirming Montana’s cooperation with federal immigration law passed their first test in the state Senate after a bitter debate.



Senate Bills 381 and 382 were endorsed Tuesday. The bills introduced by Republican Sen. Jim Shockley, of Victor, face one more vote in the Senate before they can move to the House.

One would allow local governments to request immigration enforcement training for local police officers. The other pro-hibits local authorities from passing laws in opposition to federal immigration policy.


Both passed on mostly party-line votes of 26-24, with Republicans generally in favor and Democrats generally against.


Opponents say the proposed laws turn local control over to the federal government and threaten privacy rights.


Shockley says the measures only require authorities to cooperate with existing federal law, and, if they choose, pursue training.


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