Idaho committee advances bill requiring proof of lawful presence for some state-funded benefits; sponsors and critics clash over effects on children and local[^

Boise — The Idaho Senate Health and Welfare Committee on Tuesday advanced House Bill 135, a bill that would require proof of lawful presence in the United States before adults can receive certain state-administered public benefits. Committee members voted to send the bill to the Senate floor with a "do pass" recommendation after more than two hours of testimony and debate.

The bill, presented by Rep. Phil Hart as sponsor in the Senate committee, would add language to existing Idaho law requiring interviewers with the Department of Health and Welfare to obtain documentation showing that an adult is in the United States legally before awarding some state-funded benefits. Hart told the committee that the measure preserves existing emergency exceptions and that a child born in the United States with a birth certificate would remain eligible under the Fourteenth Amendment.

Supporters said the bill clarifies that state taxpayer dollars should not be used to fund benefits for people who cannot prove lawful presence. "Idaho taxpayers have a right to have their tax money used for Idaho needs," Hart said. Senator Lenny, who moved the main floor referral, told colleagues that requiring documentation is a way to protect limited state resources and to distinguish voluntary charitable efforts from taxpayer-funded programs.

Opponents, including nonprofit and faith‑based witnesses and teachers, said the bill would have the practical effect of denying services to U.S.‑citizen children in mixed‑status families and would strain local charities. Craig Peterson of Idaho Voices for Children told the committee: "Denying access and basic human needs to an…