HCS HB 851 -- ENFORCEMENT OF IMMIGRATION LAWS

SPONSOR:  Nolte (Onder)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Special Committee on
Immigration by a vote of 6 to 2.

This substitute requires that the Superintendent of the State
Highway Patrol designate some or all members of the patrol to be
trained in accordance with a memorandum of understanding between
Missouri and the United States Department of Homeland Security
concerning the enforcement of federal immigration laws on federal
highways and interstates in Missouri, subject to appropriation.

Law enforcement officers are required to inquire into the
citizenship and immigration status of persons placed under arrest
and to verify the legal status of noncitizens with the federal
government.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds in FY 2008, FY 2009, and
FY 2010.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the bill will serve to expand
the enforcement capabilities of federal immigration authorities.

Testifying for the bill was Representative Onder.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

OTHERS:  Others testifying on the bill say Chapter 43, RSMo,
prevents the State Highway Patrol from entering into a memorandum
of understanding with federal immigration authorities regarding
training unless there is authorizing legislation.  The patrol
should not have to take on additional responsibilities without
additional funding from the General Assembly.

Testifying on the bill was State Highway Patrol.

Missouri House of Representatives
94th General Assembly, 1st Regular Session
Last Updated July 25, 2007 at 11:20 am