Immigration Bill Likely Dead
Legislation that would allow law enforcement agents in Tennessee to question suspects about their immigration status has likely failed this session.
Republican Rep. Joe Carr of Lascassas on Tuesday delayed the measure in the House Budget Subcommittee till next year. Carr had delayed the bill last week in an attempt to get around a $3 million tab for additional manpower.
The companion bill was also put off until next year later Tuesday in the Senate Judiciary Committee.
The proposal would require authorities to call an immigration enforcement hot line to find out if a person was legally in the country if there was reasonable suspicion.
Critics compare the proposal to the one in Arizona that passed last year and is currently the subject of a federal lawsuit.
Tennessee Attorney General Bob Cooper has opined that the Tennessee proposal could violate federal and state constitutions.
