Houston news KHOU reported that the top three issues in the Texas 82nd legislative session are the state budget, redistricting, and immigration. At least 25 bills involving immigration have been filed, dealing with such issues as law enforcement, voter ID, health care, and employment.
There are some parallels to Arizona law including making it illegal not to carry immigration documents and law enforcement having the power to detain anyone they suspect with illegal immigrant status.
State Representative Jessica Farrar, D-Houston, filed a bill, which would exempt victims or witnesses from being asked about their immigration status.
State Rep. Jim Jackon, R-Carrollton, filed a bill that would require all employers to verify their employees’ immigration status through an “E-verify” program.
"Immigration bills at a glance include the following:
• SB 126, HB 623, SB 259, HB 311, HB 183
Five bills have been filed that would require law enforcement agencies to check immigration status and report any immigration violations to the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
• HB 623 would also make English the state’s official language.
• SB 124, HB 302, HB 113
Three bills filed would establish a $10,000 civil penalty for law officers who don’t report immigration violations to the federal government.
• HB 655
This bill limits eligibility for indigent health care to "sponsored aliens," i.e., those in the country legally on a permanent basis.
This bill would exempt victims and witnesses of a crime from immigration checks.
• HB 177
This bill would require employment eligibility to receive a driver’s license or identification.
• HB 601, HB 178, HB 140
Three bills require employers to use the E-verify system to check employees’ immigration status. HB 601 and HB 140 address state contractors. HB 170 requires government entities to use the federal program, and requires any employee responsible for failing to check an applicant’s immigration status to be fired."
Read full article here: http://www.khou.com/news/Texas-immigration-bills-mirror-Arizonas-law-116310524.html
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