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Kansas committee hears heated debate over bill to send lists of noncitizen benefit recipients to secretary of state
Summary
HB 24‑91 would require state agencies to report quarterly the names and addresses of noncitizens receiving public benefits to the secretary of state for voter‑roll maintenance. Proponents, including the secretary of state's counsel, argued it aids list maintenance; opponents cited privacy, potential federal‑law conflicts (Medicaid confidentiality), and chilling effects on immigrant communities.
The House Committee on Elections on Thursday held an extended hearing on House Bill 24‑91, a one‑sentence measure that would require state agencies to report quarterly the names and addresses of noncitizens receiving public funds, scholarships or other public benefits to the secretary of state.
Clay Barker, general counsel for the Kansas Secretary of State, testified the office supports tools that allow "reliable lists" for voter‑roll maintenance and urged lawmakers to provide the legal ability to obtain names for comparison. "We have no interest in what agency these names came from, what program they're applied for or…
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