Idaho committee advances bill requiring proof of lawful presence for some state benefits

The Idaho Senate Health & Welfare Committee on March 11 voted to send House Bill 135 to the Senate floor with a “do pass” recommendation after extended testimony for and against the measure.

House Bill 135, introduced in committee by Representative-turned-presenter Senator Phil Hart, would add language to existing state statute requiring that adults show proof they are lawfully present in the United States before receiving certain state-funded public benefits. Hart and supporters said the change is intended to prevent state taxpayer dollars from funding benefits for people who cannot prove lawful presence; opponents said the bill would cut or complicate access to food assistance, prenatal and postnatal care, and other services for mixed‑status families — including U.S. citizen children.

Supporters and sponsor

Senator Phil Hart, sponsor/presenter, described the bill as “adding language to an existing statute” and said Health and Welfare would screen applicants during the department’s interview process, asking for documentation of lawful presence. Hart told the committee that emergency benefits would remain available and that Idaho taxpayers should not fund benefits for people who cannot prove lawful presence when nonstate options exist: "there's another source of funding, which is voluntary," Hart said, adding that nonprofits could continue to serve people outside state-funded…