"We're not sure what kind of impact this (undocumented) population is having on the state . . . This allows the state to track this population in a private database," Tilton said, noting the private database is needed because the federal government doesn't allow states to track illegal immigrants. A portion of the fees would go back to the state.

Some committee members questioned whether anyone would choose to participate in such a program, when services such as English classes are already available from a number of public and private sources. Others raised concern over the proposed "biometric" tracking.

"I'm intrigued by this idea," said Rep. Tim Cosgrove, D-Murray, adding he'd like to have more time to study it.

Joe Reyna, Republican co-chairman of the Utah Hispanic Legislative Task Force, said Tilton's proposal was confusing. He said most of the profits would go to a private company, rather than the state. He raised concerns about long-term tracking of illegal immigrants and their children.

"It doesn't benefit the state, it doesn't benefit the Hispanic community," he said. "It is bad policy."

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Contributing: Lisa Riley Roche

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E-MAIL: dbulkeley@desnews.com