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Committee holds H 764 after broad testimony on effects for charities, law enforcement
Summary
H 764, a bill addressing penalties for concealing unauthorized immigrants, drew extensive testimony from faith groups, nonprofits and law-enforcement representatives. After questions about definitions and impacts on charities and victims, the committee voted 9-7 to hold the bill in committee.
Rep. Hawkins and Theo Wold presented H 764, which would create or modify penalties related to concealing unauthorized immigrants. The record shows a sizable list of witnesses on both sides of the measure.
Supporters recorded in the minutes included Lidia Strong, Paul Lagemann and Heritage Action. Opponents included The Idaho Food Bank, faith-based congregations and volunteers, legal service groups and several nonprofit and community organizations (for example, The Idaho Food Bank, Care House Partnerships, Boise Bicycle Project, Catholic Church in Idaho, Idaho Hispanic Foundation). Law-enforcement representation appears in the minutes (Sheriff Matt Clifford and the Idaho Sheriffs' Association) among those who testified in opposition.
Committee members asked for clarification of the bill's intent and the statutory definition of 'harboring,' whether the bill would shift enforcement between state and federal authorities, potential criminal penalties' fiscal impact, and whether exemptions for emergency services exist. Concerns included impacts on organizations that provide food or shelter, the availability of legal representation for noncitizens, and services for victims of violent crime.
Rep. Alfieri moved to send H 764 to General Orders; Rep. Garner offered a substitute to hold the bill in committee. A roll call was held at the request of Rep. Scott. The substitute to hold carried 9 AYE, 7 NAY. The minutes list the members who voted on each side. The transcript records who testified and committee questions but does not provide verbatim quotations of witness testimony.
As a result, H 764 was held in committee; the minutes do not set a subsequent hearing or amendment schedule.
