HB7, known as the Laken Riley Act, advanced closer to a full House vote on Wednesday after receiving a favorable report from the Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee. The bill, sponsored by State Rep. Ernie Yarbrough aims to enhance cooperation between state and local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities.
“This is the same bill before you as last session,” Yarbrough (R-Trinity) told the committee. “It simply provides a more structured way for state and local law enforcement to work with the federal government to enforce existing immigration laws.”
While the bill was given a favorable report, there was some debate – mainly along party lines – regarding a provision requiring law enforcement to determine an individual’s nationality upon confinement in a county or municipal jail.
RELATED: State Rep. Ernie Yarbrough ‘disappointed’ lawmakers didn’t pass Laken Riley Act
State Rep. Chris England (D-Tuscaloosa) questioned the need for this provision, arguing it could be unconstitutional.
“Why is nationality relevant?” asked England. “When you begin the process of determining someone’s nationality, you get into suspect classification, you go to what’s called a suspect classification, and you start getting the highest level of scrutiny from any court from that point forward.”
Yarbrough defended the provision, stating that it was intended to facilitate communication in situations where language barriers may arise. “The purpose of that is to give [law enforcement] a heads-up if they need an interpreter,” Yarbrough said.
England also brought up the bill’s potential impact on detainment periods, particularly as it pertains to detaining illegal immigrants at the request of the federal government.
“We have no basis to hold them unless the federal government tells us we can,” England said. “But if they don’t, we have to release them. This could result in individuals being detained for extended periods while awaiting federal response.”
Another concern raised was the financial burden on law enforcement agencies. When asked about the cost to local law enforcement, Yarbrough noted there would be some reporting requirements but described the fiscal impact as “minimal.”
Ultimately, the bill received a favorable report from the committee. A proposed amendment to replace language mandating the determination of nationality was suggested but not brought forth. Yarbrough said he is open to potentially exploring that provision. HB7 will now proceed to the House floor for further debate.
RELATED: ‘An incredible first step’: Trump signs Senator Britt’s Laken Riley Act into law
On the federal level, U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) spearheaded a law recently signed by President Trump that now requires law enforcement to deport illegal immigrants guilty of certain crimes. Over a year ago, Britt dubbed the bill the Laken Riley Act, in honor of a young college student murdered by an illegal immigrant in Georgia.
Grace Heim is a state and political reporter for Yellowhammer News. You can follow her on X @graceeheim or email her at [email protected].
