SENATE BILL REPORT

                  HJM 4015

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

                   Judiciary, April 1, 1999

Brief Description:  Requesting federal scrutiny of immigration law and Immigration and Naturalization Service policies.

Sponsors:  Representatives Lisk, Kenney, Radcliff, McDonald, Wolfe, Haigh, Ogden, Kessler, Santos, Conway, Linville and Lantz.

Brief History:  Passed House 3/15/99, 96-1.

Committee Activity:  Judiciary:  4/1/99 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY

Majority Report:  Do pass.

  Signed by Senators Heavey, Chair; Costa, Goings, Hargrove, Haugen, Johnson, Long, McCaslin, Roach, Thibaudeau and Zarelli.

Staff:  Harry Steinmetz (786-7421)

Background:  In 1996, the United States Congress passed and the President signed the Anti-Terrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996, and the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996.  These laws have been used to arrest, detain, deport, and prosecute immigrants to this country.  In particular, the power of the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) to detain suspected illegal aliens was expanded.

It has been suggested that federal officials examine current immigration laws and INS policies to resolve any problems.

Summary of Bill:  A joint memorial requesting federal scrutiny of immigration laws and Immigration and Naturalization Services policies is forwarded to President Clinton, the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, each member of Congress from the State of Washington, the Commissioner of the Immigration and Naturalization Service, and Governor Locke.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Testimony For:  None 

Testimony Against:  None

Testified:  No one.