Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Immigration topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
House approves bill requiring local sheriffs to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement
Summary
After extended debate over costs, local control and public-safety data, the House passed HB 22-19 requiring sheriffs to participate in federal cooperation programs (287(g)-style arrangements). Supporters cited crime figures they said justified the bill; opponents challenged those numbers and raised fiscal and due-process concerns.
The House considered House Bill 22-19, which requires local sheriffs to enter into federal immigration enforcement cooperation arrangements under models similar to 287(g). Representative Garrett, sponsor of the bill, described it as a measure to strengthen enforcement and "keep our counties and our communities safe," urging colleagues that the legislation addresses violent crime and public-safety threats.
Floor debate focused on whether the bill imposes an unfunded mandate on counties and on the accuracy and meaning of crime statistics cited by supporters. Representative Johnson and others disputed the sponsor'9s use of data, noting that charges are not the same as convictions and that the fiscal note appeared understated. Representative Garrett replied that local jurisdictions participating previously have not seen excessive cost burdens and reiterated safety concerns.
After debate and consideration of committee amendments, the House passed HB 22-19 as amended. The clerk recorded the tally as I, 71 yes, 25 nays (constitutional majority declared), and the chair declared the bill passed.
