Kansas Senate committee hears bill to bar unlawfully present immigrants from state, local public benefits

The Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 254, which would bar aliens unlawfully present in the United States from receiving state or local public benefits. The hearing included an overview from the Legislature’s reviser and proponent testimony from Kansas Attorney General Chris Kobach, followed by extended opponent testimony from faith leaders, educators, county officials and civil‑liberties advocates.

Jason Long, the Legislature’s reviser, told the committee the bill would mirror existing federal restrictions by making unlawfully present aliens ineligible for most state and local public benefits while preserving federal exceptions such as emergency medical care, certain disaster relief, public health immunizations and short‑term shelter or food programs approved under federal law. Long also said the measure explicitly lists reduced tuition and fees at postsecondary institutions as a state/local public benefit subject to the bar; it would not change issuance of driver’s licenses or identification cards.

Attorney General Chris Kobach, testifying remotely as the bill’s main proponent, said Kansas currently violates two federal statutes passed in 1996 and that the bill is needed to bring state practice into alignment with federal law. Kobach said the bill would require applicants for public benefits to submit proof of citizenship, permanent residency or lawful presence and would require agencies to verify lawful presence using the Systematic Alien Verification…