Immigration Vote Expected Next Week

The chairman of the Kansas House Judiciary Committee expects the panel to vote next week on an immigration bill containing provisions similar to those in an Arizona law.

Republican Lance Kinzer, of Olathe, was opening hearings Thursday on legislation he’s pushing to require local law enforcement officers to check the status of people they suspect of being illegal immigrants.

The bill also requires state agencies and contractors to make a good faith effort to avoid hiring illegal immigrants, using the federal E-Verify program.

Kinzer said he hopes to have the committee vote on the bill Monday.

He contends the state measure is necessary because of federal inaction on immigration. Critics contend it will be burdensome for businesses and local governments and lead to racial profiling.