A House panel has rejected a proposal to ban most state services for illegal immigrants in non-emergency situations.
The House State Agencies and Governmental Affairs Committee on Wednesday rejected a proposal by Republican Rep. Jon Hubbard of Jonesboro. Hubbard’s bill would ban state benefits for illegal immigrants except during emergencies or when life-saving measures are required. The measure failed on a 9-8 vote.
Hubbard argued his bill would cut off services that he says are drawing illegal immigrants to the state. He had amended the bill to allow prenatal care for illegal immigrants, but state health officials said they were worried it would pose a health risk to the state by cutting off immunization and testing.