Immigration bills receive approval

A sweeping Senate bill aimed at keeping undocumented immigrants from obtaining jobs or public benefits received final legislative approval Tuesday, as did a House bill to tighten restrictions on undocumented immigrants' driving privilege cards.

Sen. Bill Hickman, R-St. George, said most of the amendments made to SB81 are "clarifying amendments and I think actually strengthen the bill."

However, Sen. Gene Davis, D-Salt Lake, expressed concerns about a House amendment that requires labor unions to check their members' work eligibility, if working for a state contractor.

After the vote, a 24-hour hold was placed on SB81 because of its delayed $1.8 million fiscal cost to the state.

Davis said there was apparently a misunderstanding about the unions' role because they aren't hiring agencies. He suggested studying the issue during the interim, so the provision can be taken out before SB81 takes effect in July 2009.

Meanwhile, the House gave unanimous final approval to HB171, which prevents driving privilege cards from being used for age verification for purposes such as buying alcohol or firearms. It also suspends the cards of uninsured drivers.

On Monday, Rep. Brad Daw, R-Orem, said a Senate amendment that prevents issuing temporary driving privilege cards strengthens the bill.

He said a problem can arise if drivers get a temporary card, "give a bad address and never get a card. They just drive around with the temporary."

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E-mail: dbulkeley@desnews.com