Sanctuary city ban passes House

AUSTIN (KXAN) - A heated, late-night session ended with the Texas House passing a controversial bill to ban so-called sanctuary cities in the state. Members approved HB 12 100-47 just after midnight Tuesday, following a Republicans-led effort to cut debate short and shut out about 30 amendments in the process.

The measure must receive a procedural, final approval from the House before moving on to the Senate. Gov. Rick Perry deemed the legislation an emergency item, and Republicans are now working to push it through in final 21 days of the session.

The bill would allow police to question anyone they detain about their immigration status. Supporters say it would help curb illegal immigration, but opponents say it would lead to racial profiling and keep police from doing their jobs.

"The passage today of House Bill 12 provides for the implementation of a consistent standard across the state in setting illegal immigration policies,” said Rep. Larry Gonzales, R-Round Rock, the legislative director of the Hispanic Republican Conference. “This bill will be the core of a renewed spirit of cooperation and trust between law enforcement and the citizens of Texas."

First debated on Friday, Democrats discovered technical problems with the bill and sent it back to committee. On Monday when Republicans returned with the bill, Democrats were waiting with a slew of amendments that would have significantly changed the legislation. After a few alterations, Republicans used their powerful supermajority to stop debate and pass the bill, a move they first made on a tort reform bill over the weekend.

Sanctuary cities are places with policies that prevent police from providing immigration officials with necessary information about illegal immigrants, thus allowing those people to live easily in the city. Critics say Texas has no sanctuary cities, though the governor has specifically labeled Houston as one of a handful in the state.

“Limiting debate on this bill, which clearly elicited strong emotions on both sides of the aisle, is dishonest democracy,” said Rep. Armando Walle, D-Houston, who has insisted his city is not a sanctuary city. “If supporters of this bill have the votes to get it passed, then they shouldn't have to suppress debate to do it."