House Passes Unfunded Local Enforcement of Federal Immigration Policy

So called "sanctuary" bill, HB 697 (Metz), was passed by its final committee of reference on Monday, followed by passage in the full House on Friday. The bill requires local law enforcement agencies to enforce federal immigration policy without accompanying funding. As a result, local resources for preventing crime and protecting the public will be redirected to immigration enforcement. In a letter to the bill's sponsor, Executive Director Michael Sheedy outlined FCCB's concerns with the measure. The Senate companion, SB 786 (Bean), has not been heard by any of its committees of reference, indicating the measure is likely dead for the session.