The Arizona House has passed a bill allowing residents to sue state and local governments for not properly enforcing federal immigration laws. This legislation would reinforce parts of the state’s best-known immigration enforcement law.
Nearly six years ago, state lawmakers passed the controversial Senate Bill 1070. That law sparked protests and lawsuits because of its provision requiring police to try and determine the immigration status of people during routine traffic stops. It also included a lesser-known part that allows residents to sue state or local governments that fail to enforce immigration provisions of the law.
This bill, introduced by Republican Mark Finchem of Oro Valley, would allow residents to sue on those grounds without having to pay attorney’s fees if they lose in court. The House passed House Bill 2024 on a 35-23 vote Wednesday. It now moves to the Senate.
The Associated Press Contributed To This Report
