UPDATE: In Colorado, TRUST passes house, driver’s licenses bill to be introduced next week
It’s a busy legislative season in Colorado this year for immigrant rights advocates, with three significant bills making their way through the statehouse, and one tabled until next year.
The TRUST act, a repeal of a 2006 law mandating police reporting to immigration authorities, was approved by the Colorado House of Representatives today by a 36-26 vote and now heads to the Senate. The bill, whose full title is the Community and Law Enforcement Trust Act, passed its second reading on the house floor Friday, after passing out of committee March 18th. The bill would repeal a 2006 law that requires local law enforcement to report arrestees suspected of being undocumented immigrants to ICE, and prohibits any limitations on ICE collaboration – often known as sanctuary provisions. Supporters of the repeal say the 2006 law drains local budgets, erodes law enforcement trust in immigrant communities, and encourages racial profiling.
A bill addressing wage theft died in committee last Monday. Postponed indefinitely – and at least until next year – this bill would have made it a criminal instead of civil offense for employers who are fiscally solvent to deny wages from employees.
A tuition equity bill called ASSET passed the House on March 8, and now waits for the promised signature of the governor. This bill will give undocumented Colorado students access to in-state tuition at colleges and universities.
Finally, a driver’s license bill, sponsored by Colorado state senator Jessie Ulibarri, would permit undocumented immigrants in Colorado to apply for driver’s licenses. Supporters estimate that the bill could benefit as many as 150,000 Colorado residents who cannot currently get a license due to their immigration status. The bill will likely be introduced in the coming weeks.