Committee advances bill to restrict some public benefits to people lawfully present after hours of debate

The House Health and Welfare Committee voted 10‑5 to send House Bill 135 to the House floor with a "do pass" recommendation after extended testimony and debate over whether the measure would increase hunger and harm public-health outcomes.

Sponsor Representative Jordan Redmond said the bill removes certain nonemergency health and social benefits for people who cannot demonstrate lawful presence while preserving emergency care and actions necessary to protect life and public safety. “This bill removes non emergency health care benefits and some social benefits … it does not prohibit anyone that is here illegally from accessing emergency care,” Redmond said.

Supporters argued the bill conserves limited taxpayer resources. Clint Hostetler, a co‑sponsor, cited a 2024 study by the Federation for American Immigration Reform…