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Committee hears sharp public opposition to HB13 "Lake and Riley Act" over profiling, constitutional concerns
Summary
The Judiciary Committee held a public hearing on HB13, an optional MOU to let state or local agencies assist federal immigration enforcement. Testimony from immigrantsrights advocates, a civil-rights litigator and clergy warned of racial profiling and constitutional risk; law-enforcement supporters urged careful drafting. No vote; bill returned next week.
The Judiciary Committee heard public testimony on HB13, known in the hearing as the "Lake and Riley Act," which would allow state and local law enforcement agencies to enter memoranda of understanding with the federal government to assist in enforcing existing federal immigration laws. Representative Yarbrough, the bill sponsor, told the committee the measure "provides an optional path for state and local law enforcement agencies to enter into a MOU with the federal government to enforce existing federal immigration laws." The committee did not vote and the bill will be taken up again next week.
Opponents said the proposal could turn local officers into de facto immigration agents and enable profiling. Reverend Thomas, who said his…
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