H.B. 320

1

RECOVERY OF FEDERAL REIMBURSEMENT
2 FOR COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH ILLEGAL
3 IMMIGRANTS
4 2007 GENERAL SESSION
5 STATE OF UTAH
6 Chief Sponsor: Karen W. Morgan
7 Senate Sponsor: ____________
8
9 LONG TITLE
10 General Description:
11 This bill directs the attorney general to pursue reimbursement from the federal
12 government for costs incurred resulting from illegal immigration.
13 Highlighted Provisions:
14 This bill:
15 . directs the attorney general to pursue all available remedies to recover any moneys
16 owing from the federal government to the state for the reimbursement of costs
17 incurred by the state resulting from illegal immigration; and
18 . directs the attorney general to file a written report with the governor, the president
19 of the Senate, the speaker of the House of Representatives, and the chairs of the
20 Executive Appropriations Committee that details the progress and status of the
21 attorney general's pursuit of remedies.
22 Monies Appropriated in this Bill:
23 None
24 Other Special Clauses:
25 None
26 Utah Code Sections Affected:
27 ENACTS:

28 67-5-22, Utah Code Annotated 1953
29
30 Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
31 Section 1. Section 67-5-22 is enacted to read:
32 67-5-22. Recovery of federal reimbursement for costs associated with illegal
33 immigration -- Attorney general to pursue remedies.
34 (1) The Legislature finds that:
35 (a) the costs incurred by the state in addressing illegal immigration have increased in
36 recent years and are placing a burden on the state's budgetary and human resources;
37 (b) the areas in which these costs have been incurred have increased dramatically and
38 include identifying illegal immigrants, processing illegal immigrants through the criminal
39 justice system, incarcerating illegal immigrants, and providing education, medical assistance,
40 health care, and foster care for illegal immigrants;
41 (c) at the same time, federal funding to assist states in dealing with illegal immigration
42 has decreased, yet the federal government is asking state governments to do even more with
43 their own funds to enforce federal immigration laws and preserve homeland security, which are
44 essentially federal responsibilities; and
45 (d) the federal government is in arrears on its obligation to reimburse states for costs
46 incurred by the states resulting from illegal immigration.
47 (2) The Legislature determines that it is necessary for the state to protect its interests
48 and seek the recovery of reimbursement available under federal law for the costs incurred by
49 the state resulting from illegal immigration.
50 (3) The attorney general, on behalf of the state, shall pursue all available remedies to
51 recover any moneys owing from the federal government to the state for the reimbursement of
52 costs incurred by the state resulting from illegal immigration.
53 (4) On or before December 31, 2007, and on or before December 31, 2008, the attorney
54 general shall file a written report with the governor, the president of the Senate, the speaker of
55 the House of Representatives, and the chairs of the Executive Appropriations Committee that
56 details the progress and status of the attorney general's pursuit of remedies.

Legislative Review Note
as of 1-22-07 11:27 AM

Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel