conservative lawmaker files bill in first hour of
filing period for 2011 session
By Jim ForsythLess than an hour after the period began for
filing bills for consideration in the 2011 Legislative session,
State Rep. Debbie Riddle (R-Tomball), a leader of the newly muscular
conservatives in the Legislature, filed an 'Arizona style' measure
that would crack down on illegal immigration, 1200 WOAI news
reports.
Riddle says her measure is a response to what she says is the
escalating violence caused by Mexican and Latin American gangs in
Texas.
"It is absolutely out of control with the gang related crime, which
is going through the roof, so, yes, we are addressing this, and
quite frankly, I am not worried about political correctness," Riddle
told 1200 WOAI news.
The measure would be similar to Arizona's controversial SB 1070, in
that it would require that local police work with federal
immigration officials in determining the legal status of a person
who is in their custody.
"If that individual is already being detained, because of another
crime, then that officer can inquire as to one's immigration
status," Riddle said.
The Arizona law has been placed on hold pending a court challenge.
Riddle says her measure would help it withstand similar legal
challenges.
Republicans will hold 99 of the 150 seats in the Texas House when
the biennial session is gaveled into order January 11th, the largest
GOP majority in the Texas House in 140 years. The conservative
landslide last week is expected to result in several measures on the
conservative wish list which have been killed by Democrats and
moderate Republicans being passed in the coming legislature.
Riddle's measure would also deny all state funds to any community
which declares itself a 'sanctuary city' and refuses to aggressively
enforce immigration laws.
"The gang related crime which does have a connect with the Mexican
drug cartels has gone up 250 percent in this state," Riddle said.
"People are sick and tired of political correctness. They want their
communities safe."


(Sorry it's not bilingual, you'll get the concept)
|