Senate advances bills requiring local cooperation with federal immigration authorities, rejects objections

The New Hampshire Senate on a series of votes moved forward measures aimed at tightening cooperation between local authorities and federal immigration enforcement, advancing House Bill 511 and concurring with the House amendment to Senate Bill 62.

House Bill 511, which the Senate Judiciary Committee recommended ought to pass, would require law enforcement agencies in New Hampshire to comply with immigration detainers and prohibit local government entities from interfering with such cooperation; investigations into immigration status would follow only after a violation of state law. Senator Kevin Gannon, speaking for the committee, moved the bill on the floor: "I move that house bill 5 11 f n ought to pass." The Senate adopted the committee recommendation by roll call, 15 to 8, and ordered the bill to third reading.

Senate Bill 62, amended in the House, combines earlier Senate provisions to allow New Hampshire towns and counties to…