Austin American Statesman by Tim Eaton
A panel of state lawmakers today is expected to consider reducing the scope of the sanctuary city bill, a piece of immigration-related legislation that Gov. Rick Perry has said should be a priority.
Led by state Rep. Rene Oliveira, D-Brownsville , Democrats on the House State Affairs Committee are trying to remove references to school districts in the bill. He said there could be legal and financial problems for school districts if they get involved in immigration issues.
"This bill is supposed to be about sanctuary cities, not sanctuary schools," Oliveira said.
His amendment would allow school districts to keep their policies in place — written or not — that say they won't ask about immigration status.
Oliveira is seeking to attach the amendment to the so-called sanctuary cities bill by Rep. Burt Solomons, R-Carrollton . The bill would forbid governmental entities — including cities, counties and school districts — from adopting policies that prohibit law enforcement agencies from enforcing federal immigration laws.
The bill says the state could withhold grants and other funding if those governmental entities refuse to comply.
Many school district administrators — including those from Austin and Round Rock — have said their employees don't ask about immigration status.
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