House passes bill that would reimburse illegal immigrant care

SALT LAKE CITY — The House passed a bill Thursday that would require the state to reimburse hospitals and doctors who give required medical services to illegal immigrants.

HB165 fixes the problem of cost-shifting, said Rep. Chris Herrod, R-Provo. "One segment of the population is bearing the brunt of illegal immigration," the bill's sponsor said.

The bill, which passed the House 57-14 without debate, would also allow the state to seek repayment of the money from the federal government.

Fiscal analysts estimate the bill could cost the state $26.3 million a year. Herrod has called the bill a "message bill" that he doesn't expect to go far. 

 The measure now moves to the Senate for its consideration. 

— Amanda Verzello