A new bill in Tennessee could collect data from schools, hospitals on costs incurred by unlawful US residents.
This bill adds to the reporting required by law enforcement agencies of residents unlawfully present in the U.S.
What This Story Is About
- A bill seeking the Department of Finance to report annual costs incurred by the state for schools, hospitals and more to residents unlawfully in the U.S. is moving forward in the Tennessee legislature.
Why It Matters
- This bill adds to the reporting required by law enforcement agencies of residents unlawfully present in the U.S.
What Happens Next
- The bill has been referred to the State & Local Government Committee following its recommendation for passage in the Departments & Agencies Subcommittee.
For Context
- In mid-January, state Republicans unveiled a slew of immigration bills in an effort to “close enforcement gaps, protect Tennessee taxpayers, and require active enforcement of immigration laws across the state.”
NASHVILLE, TN (Story courtesy of WVLT / WSMV) – Tennessee could soon collect data on how much it costs public institutions like schools and hospitals to support or service people unlawfully living in the US.
During a Tuesday meeting, the Departments & Agencies Subcommittee recommended the passage of a bill that would require the Tennessee Department of Finance to report on those costs every year.
The bill, HB 1711, was introduced by Rep. Elaine Davis (R-Knoxville) and Sen. Dawn White (R-Murfreesboro) in an effort to expand on the reporting of unlawful residents in the U.S. by law enforcement agencies in the Volunteer State.
The Department of Finance would be required to report annual costs incurred by this state for:
- Public schools, including public higher education institutions
- Prisons
- Hospitals
- Social services agencies to persons not lawfully present in the U.S.
“This bill requires the department of finance and administration to report to the governor and the speakers of the senate and house of representatives on or before December 31, 2026, and each December 31 thereafter, the annual cost incurred by this state for public schools, including public higher education institutions; prisons; hospitals; and social services agencies to provide benefits and services to persons not lawfully present in the United States,” the bill’s summary explains.
But some local groups, like the Tennessee Immigrant & Refugee Rights Coalition (TIRRC) Votes, say the bill would be damaging to residents.
“Anti-immigrant bills like this are in direct opposition to the values we hold here in Tennessee, that regardless of where our neighbors were born, if you’re making a life here and contributing to our communities, Tennessee is your home and you deserve safety, resources, and dignity,” said Lisa Sherman Luna, executive director of TIRRC Votes.
Back in mid-January, Speaker of the House Rep. Cameron Sexton said, “We all support immigrants who have come here legally. However, if you are in Tennessee illegally, then you will be asked to provide legal status or referred to ICE. Whether you are seeking public benefits, government jobs, CDL licenses, or registering a vehicle. We are committed to protecting tax dollars, reducing fraud, and ending sanctuary loopholes.”
