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House approves bill clarifying state enforcement role on certain immigration matters after partisan debate
Summary
HB2099, described on the floor as clarifying state enforcement priorities for certain immigration-related crimes, passed 33–27 following a split debate in which supporters emphasized deportation of serious offenders and opponents warned of constitutional conflicts and praised existing state efforts against fentanyl.
The House passed House Bill 2099 after a divided floor debate that aligned largely along partisan lines. The clerk recorded 33 ayes and 27 nays.
Representative Martinez urged colleagues to support the bill, saying it would clarify the state's stance on deporting violent offenders and demonstrated support for enforcing immigration laws she described as necessary for public safety. “I believe that we should deport our most violent criminals. I believe that legal immigration should be embraced,” Martinez said while explaining her vote.
Representative De Los Santos spoke in opposition, arguing the bill risked forcing the state into unconstitutional positions and referring to recent federal judicial decisions. “That executive order, had this bill been law, would have forced the attorney general to defend in court… a federal judge… struck down that executive order and called it ‘blatantly unconstitutional,’” De Los Santos said.
Representative Volk and Representative Aguilar also announced no votes, citing concerns about state-federal relations and politicization of enforcement.
After the vote, the clerk recorded that House Bill 2099 passed 33–27 and the measure was sent to the Senate.
