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House Judiciary hears contentious bill to expand obstructing‑justice statute to include assisting undocumented people
Summary
Representative Lucas Schubert’s HB 896 would expand the state obstructing‑justice statute to cover knowingly harboring certain undocumented persons, but dozens of nonprofit and faith witnesses said the measure would criminalize routine humanitarian assistance.
House Bill 896, introduced by Rep. Lucas Schubert, would add language to the obstructing‑justice statute to make it an offense to knowingly harbor or assist a person who is an "offender" — as the sponsor framed it, including persons described in testimony as "illegal aliens" — in ways that would help them evade law enforcement. Schubert said the measure is intended to target people who knowingly harbor or transport unauthorized immigrants who are committing offenses, not to criminalize ordinary humanitarian aid.
The hearing featured broad public opposition. Nonprofit leaders, homeless‑service providers, faith organizations and immigration‑service groups…
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