Republican lawmakers pledge to send border security measure to Arizona voters, bypassing Hobbs
State Republican lawmakers have a plan to let voters decide whether to approve a border security bill rejected by Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs.
In March, Hobbs vetoed a GOP-backed bill that would have made it a state crime to cross into Arizona through Mexico from any location other than a designated port of entry. Republicans backing the measure say it would have given state and local law enforcement the authority to arrest immigrants.
Rejected by Hobbs, Republicans now say they plan to bypass the governor’s veto by sending the bill to voters, who would decide in November whether to support or oppose the measure.
The Republican’s bill was based on a Texas law, Senate Bill 4, which was challenged in court and is under an injunction.
Hobbs argues the bill raised constitutional concerns, and was illegal for the state to implement.
The GOP border security bill will replace the language on an existing measure that’s stalled at the Legislature and was sponsored by House Speaker Ben Toma (R-Peoria). Toma’s measure would have required cities and towns to verify people are legal residents of Arizona using E-Verify.
Republicans stated in a press release issued Wednesday that they will rewrite Toma’s bill in the coming weeks.
“Arizona Democrats in power have shown us time after time, with every 'no' vote and veto of our border security legislation, that they are not concerned for the safety and well-being of our citizens,” Senate President Warren Petersen (R-Gilbert) said in a statement. "Their priorities are tone deaf to the realities Arizonans are facing, and this will be confirmed when voters have the chance to take matters into their own hands this November.”
