Illegal immigration bill put on hold


Ariz. immigrant law was model; Haslam backs employee rules
By Tom Humphrey

Posted May 18, 2011 at midnight


NASHVILLE - A proposed Tennessee version of Arizona's controversial law on illegal immigration was shelved for the year on Tuesday while another bill attempting to curb employment of illegal immigrants has received a boost from Gov. Bill Haslam.

The sponsors of the "Lawful Immigration Enforcement Act" on Tuesday had any further action on the measure postponed until 2012.

Rep. Joe Carr, R-Lascassas, and Senate Republican Caucus Chairman Bill Ketron of Murfreesboro said the estimated $3 million cost of implementing the bill - HB1380 - was a major factor in the decision to delay. The sponsors also said they expect to renew their effort next year, likely after some modifications.

"It's an opportunity to keep it alive," said Ketron.

Ketron said a recently passed Georgia law to enhance state and local government enforcement of immigration laws "has some segments that I like better than our (bill) or even Arizona's." The delay until 2012 will provide a chance to consider incorporating Georgia provisions into the Tennessee bill, perhaps with less cost, he said.

The bill calls for state and local law enforcement officers, when stopping a person for traffic offenses or any other law violation, to check the legal status of the person if there is a "reasonable suspicion" that the individual is in the country illegally. It also sets up a training program for enforcement of immigration laws.

Carr and Ketron are also sponsors of HB1378, which would require Tennessee businesses to use the federal "E-Verify" system to check the legal status of prospective employees. The measure has drawn criticism from some business lobbyists, who contend it would impose unnecessary expense and risk of penalties on employers.

The original bill carried an estimated cost of more than $300,000 to taxpayers, mostly for hiring of state employees to oversee enforcement efforts and to work with businesses. The cost has been reduced to about $91,000 by reducing the number of employees involved, and Haslam has covered that cost in a revised state budget plan formally submitted to the Legislature this week.

"The governor worked with sponsors of the legislation, and after coming to an agreement on language that addresses illegal immigration and employment, he included funding in his budget amendment proposal," said Haslam spokesman David Smith in an emailed response to a request for comment.

Haslam's move greatly improves chances for passage of the bill, Carr and Ketron said. The measure is awaiting action in the House and Senate Finance Committees as legislators move toward adjourning the 2011 session.

Bradley Jackson, lobbyist for the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said businesses still oppose the measure but acknowledged Haslam's support may make passage likely. He said many businesses also have misgivings about the law enforcement bill, though primarily on the basis that enactment could create a negative image for the state in some quarters - as has occurred with Arizona facing boycotts and other criticism.

A third bill in a package by Republican lawmakers to combat illegal immigration, HB1379, would require state and local government officials to verify that applicants for public benefits, including welfare, are legal residents of the United States.

Carr and Sen. Jack Johnson, R-College Grove, sponsors of the measure, said Tuesday that prospects for the "Eligibility Verification for Entitlements Act" are unclear.

As originally introduced, legislative staff estimated the cost to taxpayers at almost $8 million if the bill is enacted. An amendment changing various provisions - most notably declaring the check of status is not mandatory - reduced the estimate to about $1 million.

Johnson said he was "befuddled" by the cost estimate, especially with an amendment so that it is "permissive" rather than mandatory. Further changes are being considered for a "last ditch effort" toward passage, including consultation with members of the Haslam administration.

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