House committee advances bill limiting some public benefits to lawfully present people after heated debate

The House Health and Welfare Committee voted 10–5 to send House Bill 135 to the floor with a “do pass” recommendation after multiple hours of testimony, public comment and debate.

Sponsor Representative Jordan Redmond, District 3, said the bill “removes non emergency health care benefits and some social benefits” for people who are in the state unlawfully while preserving emergency medical care and “the state actions necessary to protect life and public safety.” He said the bill is intended as a fiscal deterrent and asserted that state resources should be prioritized for residents.

Representative Redmond said specific benefits would be removed while restoring limited exceptions. In committee discussion he described some of the carve-outs retained in the…