Rowland was concerned, for example, a church could be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor for ministering to undocumented immigrants.

The potential interpretation of the bill's provision against concealing or harboring an undocumented immigrant "knowing or in reckless disregard" was one issue that came up during the hearing.

Questions arose as to whether landlords or good Samaritans would be liable under the provision.

Drafting attorney James Wilson said the intent was aimed at those who assist people in remaining in the U.S. unlawfully, but may need further clarification at some point.

The bill is modeled after an Oklahoma measure that's considered one of the toughest in the nation.

George Hofmann, of the United Way of Greater Salt Lake, pointed to a recent report by the Oklahoma treasurer that the law there caused "a mass exodus" and sales tax revenue 4.6 percent below projections.

And Robin Riggs, vice president and general counsel of the Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce, expressed concerns about the available workforce given the current visa process and the accuracy of the federal E-Verify program, which public employers and those who contract with public employers would have to use starting July 1, 2009, to verify the work eligibility of new hires.

"We believe Congress is the place this need to be done," he said. "Rather than be punitive under a system that is not working, let's change the system."

In the end, committee members agreed with those who said the bill supported the rule of law, and that the public wanted it.

Sen. Michael Waddoups, R-Taylorsville, testified in favor of the bill, saying "calls and e-mails (on immigration) have skyrocketed since Congress's failure."

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E-mail: dbulkeley@desnews.com