House OKs bill boosting health care for documented immigrants' kids
By Sheena Mcfarland


Updated: 03/09/2009 12:20:34 PM MDT


A bill that would provide health care to children of documented immigrants cleared the House on Monday.

HB171, sponsored by Rep. Kory Holdaway, R-Taylorsville, would drop the five-year residency requirement for documented immigrants to receive coverage under Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program.

"I've been waiting to vote for this bill because it says, 'You do it right, and we will support you,' " said Rep. Eric Hutchings, R-Kearns. "We want legal immigration in this state."

Others, though, opposed the bill, saying it would cause Utah to become a magnet for documented immigrants.

The bill passed 50-23 and moves to the Senate.

smcfarland@sltrib.com


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