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House approves bill requiring proof of citizenship for some state benefits after heated debate
Summary
The Louisiana House passed legislation requiring applicants for certain state public-assistance benefits to prove citizenship or lawful status, drawing extended debate about effects on children, emergencies and use of federal resources; the measure passed 67-26.
Lede The House of Representatives on May 20 approved legislation that requires people applying for some state public assistance to prove U.S. citizenship or lawful status, with supporters saying the measure protects taxpayer-funded benefits and opponents warning it could chill access to services for vulnerable people and complicate emergency responses.
Nut graf House Bill 307, sponsored by Rep. Jonathan Henry, drew more than an hour of discussion and amendments before final passage by a 67-26 vote. Supporters said the bill clarifies agency responsibilities and can be implemented without new state funding because federal dollars will cover some costs; opponents, including several Democrats and social-services advocates, said the measure could deter eligible people from seeking benefits and raised…
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