Immigration law changes headed to Senate floor
Posted: Apr 26, 2012 12:11 AM EDT Updated: Apr 26, 2012 12:11 AM EDT
By Samuel King



MONTGOMERY, AL (WSFA) -

The Senate Judiciary Committee gave a favorable recommendation to House Bill 658, which provides some tweaks to the state's immigration law. The bill will likely be debated on the Senate floor on Tuesday, according to Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh.

The current immigration law has faced court challenges. The bill sponsored by Rep. Micky Hammon, of Decatur, changes provisions dealing with law enforcement and schools. It also strengthens penalties against businesses that violate the E-Verify provisions of the law.

"We feel like we can correct those concerns that the court has brought forward," Rep. Hammon said. "And then go back and have the remainder of those sections released so that we can enforce the law."

But opponents of the immigration law said Hammon's bill would lead to more legal challenges.

"Please know that if this bill passes with these additional glaring unconstitutional provisions, we will file additional litigation against the state of Alabama," said Mary Bauer, Legal Director of the Southern Poverty Law Center.

Some supporters of the immigration law said they don't support any changes that water down the bill. They want to see Senator Scott Beason's bill - which makes minor changes - to move forward. That bill passed a Senate committee on Tuesday.

"The tweaking is fine, but I think the tweaking in House Bill 658 has gone a little bit too far," said Jodi McDade, with the Coosa County Republican Party.

In the end, it will likely be Hammon's bill that makes onto the Senate floor.

'The process is in a better position to get it done," said Sen. Del Marsh, R-Anniston, and Senate President Pro Tem. " Not that we want to rush it through, but when you've got eight days left, you've got to use the days you've got to the best of your ability."

House Bill 658 has already passed in the House. That means Senators will have more time to debate and amend the bill before the end of the session.

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