Latest news with #HB1222
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Lawmakers pass watered-down immigrant protections bill in final minutes of 2025 session
Ninfa Amador-Hernandez, left, and Cathryn Jackson of CASA talk with Sen. Will Smith (D-Montgomery) about a package of immigrant protection bills Monday. (Photo by Danielle J. Brown/Maryland Matters) After it was stalled for most of the day, a watered-down package of protections for Maryland's immigrant community was rushed through by lawmakers with just minutes to spare before the midnight end of the legislative session Monday. The version of House Bill 1222 that passed the House and Senate on mostly party-line votes includes language to help 'sensitive locations' like churches and schools decide how to respond if immigration agent show, and it includes some privacy protections for migrant data. What it does not include is language from the original House version of the bill that would require counties to work with federal immigration agencies in some respects, but would prohibit participation in so-called 287(g) agreements, in which local police can essentially act as immigration agents. Migrant groups, who were at the State House all day monitoring the progress of the bills, said the 287(g) prohibition was their primary goal in the face of increased immigration enforcement by President Donald Trump's Department of Homeland Security. 'It was shameful the way it went down. We knew what Trump was doing on immigration since day one,' said Ninfa Amador-Hernandez, policy analyst with the immigrant advocacy group CASA. 'We're seeing Democrats not act in protecting immigrant families.' But with the clock ticking toward midnight Monday, Del. Jazz Lewis (D-Prince George's) said the legislature was at risk of failing to pass any protections, so House members agreed to give in to the Senate and strike out the prohibitions on 287(g) agreements. U.S. Supreme Court pauses order to return wrongly deported Maryland man 'Sometimes having a pressure cooker of a deadline to move things – we were unsure if we would get it done anyway,' Lewis said. 'We think it (the amended bill) is balanced.' HB1222 initially prohibited Maryland counties from entering into 287(g) agreements to work cooperatively with agents of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. That was the bill's only function when it was introduced back in early February. In the last-minute amendment, the bill includes language from another bill called the Sensitive Locations Act, which would require the Attorney General to 'provide guidance to state agencies and others to rules regarding immigration enforcement,' said Del. Luke Clippinger (D-Baltimore City), the chair of the House Judiciary Committee. The bill also prevents the sale of personal records and other data to third parties, he said, though the amendment text is not yet publicly available. But Cathryn Jackson, policy director for CASA, said the prohibition on 287(g) agreements would have had the 'greatest impact' for Maryland's immigrant population. '287g is such a direct funnel into the deportation machine. It is the most direct way that we are carrying out Trump's agenda in Maryland,' Jackson said. 'I think it is extremely heartbreaking that the immigration bills have not been prioritized,' she said. 'That is leaving the lives of so many people up to chance right now.' CASA members are blaming the failure of 287(g) on the Senate, even though Senate President Bill Ferguson (D-Baltimore City) had said earlier Monday that 'there is a limit' to what states can do when it comes to immigration enforcement with the federal government. 'We are doing whatever we can in this time frame. The challenge is – it is the federal government and there is a limit to which we have the ability to impact,' Ferguson told reporters. 'I can't even fathom the fear that a number of our neighbors are feeling because of what's happening with the Trump administration,' he said. 'It is fundamentally unbelievable that we've created this toxic environment around people who are investing in our communities, who are part of our workforce, our kids are in school together.' Gov. Wes Moore (D) said that the state would always cooperate with federal law enforcement, but disagrees with how the Trump administration is overstepping due process for immigration enforcement. 'We are never not going to cooperate with our federal partners to get violent criminals off of the streets – period, full stop,' Moore told reporters. 'We have to make sure our communities are safe … I believe very deeply that you can both make sure you're keeping your streets safe and also make sure you're honoring the Constitution at the same time.' – Maryland Matters reporter Bryan P. Sears contributed to this report. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Yahoo
13-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Proposed Arkansas legislation poses danger to citizens' direct democracy efforts
Arkansans protest several bills introduced by Sen. Kim Hammer, R-Benton, that would change the citizen-led ballot initiative process Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025 at the Arkansas Capitol. (Tess Vrbin/Arkansas Advocate) Eight anti-direct democracy bills sponsored by Rep. David Ray and Sen. Kim Hammer threaten Arkansans' fundamental right to self-governance. Even one of these — HB1221, HB1222, SB207, SB208, SB209, SB210, SB211 and SB212 — threaten Arkansans' fundamental right to self-governance. Even one of these bills becoming law would severely weaken our direct democracy, affecting state, county and municipal levels. During the Senate State Agencies & Governmental Affairs Committee hearing on Tuesday, Sen. Hammer and his supporting citizens repeatedly mentioned 'abortion' in their commentary about these 'petitioning' bills. It appears the true aim of this legislation is to destroy the direct-democracy process to prevent abortion access from reaching the ballot, as it nearly did in 2024. Further, the committee's actions, which included limiting the voices of Arkansans who traveled to the Capitol to share their concerns about the bills, reinforce a dangerous precedent set during the last legislative session. This creates a potentially dangerous scenario of the Legislature versus The People. Arkansas has long been a national leader in constitutionally protected access to direct democracy. These bills are part of a broader, coordinated effort across the country, with Arkansas being one of many states targeted by 171 proposed measures to restrict direct democracy. The only beneficiaries will be legislators seeking to consolidate power, along with wealthy, out-of-state special interests that can afford to manipulate the system. Unconstitutional emergency clauses: Many bills contain emergency clauses that violate Arkansas Supreme Court rulings. Constitutional violations: Several bills attempt to bypass or weaken constitutional protections for direct democracy. Unequal power structure: These bills would establish an unfair and unconstitutional imbalance of power between the Legislature and the people. Exploitable loopholes: By adding unnecessary procedural barriers, these bills create new ways for opponents to easily block citizen-led ballot measures. None of these bills improve the direct democracy process. I have repeatedly called for legislation requiring the Secretary of State, Attorney General and Ethics Commission to create clear, consistent administrative rules for ballot initiatives under the Arkansas Administrative Procedures Act. This would address issues caused by conflicting statutes and siloed agency responsibilities. Arkansas currently ranks 50th in the nation in both civics education and civic engagement. Instead of restricting direct democracy, the Legislature should seize this moment to build on civic energy and create a more accessible, transparent process that strengthens our democracy. Shackling direct democracy, restricting political speech and undermining our state motto are an affront to all Arkansans. Every legislator who values their oath of office and believes in protecting both Arkansas and the U.S. Constitutions should stand with the people and vote against these anti-democracy bills. As a native Arkansan who has managed four grassroots ballot initiative campaigns in the past five years, I can attest that these eight bills are deliberately designed to discourage participation and price ordinary Arkansans out of the process. Our state motto is 'Regnat Populus (The People Rule).' Let's ensure it remains true by rejecting these harmful bills and preserving our strong tradition of direct democracy. Arkansas should continue to lead the nation in empowering its citizens, not become a cautionary tale of democracy's erosion. The Arkansas Public Policy Panel provides hands-on experience in civic participation by helping community groups organize, create infrastructure, set goals and develop action plans to reach those goals.
Yahoo
12-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
5 bills on firearm legislation in South Dakota
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) – Five bills relating to gun regulations and restrictions in South Dakota have been introduced during this year's legislative session. They range from prohibiting firearm restrictions on college campuses and allowing them for employees in government buildings. Here's a breakdown of the bills and where they are at: SB 100 prohibits the restriction of carrying concealed pistols on college campuses. If passed, no Board of Regents or public technical education institutions could restrict the lawful carrying of a concealed pistol, stun gun or pepper spray. The bill's prime sponsor, Sen. Mykala Voita, has proposed two amendments to the bill, although they haven't been voted on yet. The first amendment would require that the individual carrying a concealed pistol has an enhanced or restricted enhanced permit. The second would amend the bill to limit restrictions rather than prohibit them: Board of Regents or public technical education institutions could restrict concealed pistols in a designated portion of the building only if: Significant hazardous materials, more than 55 gallons of flammable liquid, or cylinders containing corrosive gasses are present A room is used for scientific research or manufacturing and has concentrated airborne particles Areas where federal security clearance is required During a special event where metal detectors are present SB 100 passed with a 7-2 vote in the Senate State Affairs Committee and is scheduled for debate on the Senate floor February 12. SB 81 would prohibit financial institutions from using firearms codes to flag transactions involving firearms, ammunition and other accessories. A firearms code is an indicator that financial institutions such as banks put on a transaction that identifies whether the seller is a firearms dealer or whether the transaction was for firearms or ammunition. The bill also says no government agency or person can keep a record of privately owned firearms except its owner. The exception is records kept during a criminal investigation. If a financial institution is found using firearms codes, they may be subject to a civil penalty of $25,000. Republican Sen. Jim Mehlhaff introduced the bill and worked with financial institutions, the National Rifle Association and retailers in the state to create the legislation. SB 81 passed through the Senate as well as the House and Senate Commerce and Energy Committees with little opposition. It heads next to the House and if passed, will go to Gov. Larry Rhoden's desk. HB 1222 expands who is allowed to carry a gun on school grounds. Currently, anyone who carries a weapon onto school property is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. The exceptions include law enforcement officers, a starting gun for sporting events, supervised firearm training, and individuals who hold an advanced concealed carry permit and have written permission from the principal. HB 1222 aims to include individuals with a concealed carry permit who could then carry on school property, but not in buildings used for class instruction. The bill is scheduled for its first hearing in the House Judiciary Committee on February 12. Republican Rep. Kaley Nolz introduced the bill. Under HB 1218, county commissioners, township supervisors or government municipalities wouldn't be allowed to prohibit or restrict a county, township or municipal employee, officer or volunteer from lawfully carrying a concealed firearm in a government building. Republican Rep. Aaron Aylward from Lincoln County introduced HB 1218. It was referred to the House Local Government Committee, but does not have a hearing date set. HB 1080 would void any agreements that prohibit or restrict the possession or use of firearms and ammunition. A 'covenant running with the land,' per the language in the bill, is an agreement that transfers to future owners of the same property. For example, there may be a covenant requiring certain yard maintenance; these agreements are common in home owners associations (HOAs). In this instance, if a covenant was made that restricted future land owners from the types of firearms used on that land, those agreements would be void if the legislation becomes law. 'I as a land owner cannot write a covenant on the land I own to tell an owner years or decades or centuries from now, 'They can't hunt on that land or have a gun in their house to protect themselves and their families,'' said the bill's prime sponsor, Republican Rep. Drew Peterson, in a committee hearing. The bill unanimously passed in House Judiciary and had one 'nay' vote on the House floor. It now goes to the Senate Judiciary Committee. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
