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House narrowly disputes wording change in HB 116; amendment to replace 'unauthorized' with 'illegal' fails
Summary
Representative Clauston proposed replacing the phrase 'unauthorized alien' with 'illegal alien' in HB 116 (driver's licenses related to immigration status). The amendment prompted debate about definitions and statutory consistency and failed on a floor division vote (23–35).
Representative Clauston moved a second‑reading amendment to House Bill 116 to change the bill's phrase "unauthorized alien" to "illegal alien." Clauston said the amendment was intended to clarify meaning for people whose status the mover described as not authorized to be in the U.S. Opponents noted that "unauthorized" was already defined in the bill and that changing the phrasing could broaden or alter the effect.
Representative Baer opposed the amendment on grounds that the bill's existing definition of "unauthorized" is explicit and preferable. Clauston said an example motivated the change — a military member's fiancé described as "unauthorized" rather than "illegal" — but acknowledged he had "no heartburn either way."
A voice vote was held and an initial chair report suggested adoption; the House then conducted a division. The division vote resulted in 23 in favor and 35 opposed. The chair announced, "the amendment has not been adopted 23 to 35." HB 116 was ordered read a third time.
