Policy Update: Post Crossover Legislative Status
| The Senate passed a substitute of SB 442 on Crossover. The bill would automatically revoke noncitizens’ Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) in five years or upon the expiration of their visa. It would also require only non-citizens who are transferring CDLs from out-of-state to retake and pass the knowledge and skills test in order to renew a CDL in Georgia, which is needed to drive a bus, truck or other large vehicle. The bill is now in the House Public Safety Committee. We oppose this bill because it discriminates against non-citizen CDL drivers who are no more likely to be in accidents than any other driver and require CDLs for their jobs. HB 963 passed in the House just before Crossover. The bill prohibits non-U.S. citizens and non-legal permanent residents from participating, either financially or civically, in political campaigns and any proposed amendments or referenda at the state, county, or municipal levels. We oppose HB 963 because the bill goes beyond existing federal law to further restrict how people who are not U.S. citizens can contribute or participate in their communities, including supporting engagement around local ballot measures and state constitutional amendments. It is now assigned to the Senate Ethics Committee. Last week the House passed HB 1379. It requires each public education institution to provide annual reports detailing all funding totaling $10,000 or more received from certain a foreign sources to the Attorney General and the Department of Accounts and Audits. Funds received from ‘foreign sources of concern’ must disclose any influence or control over curriculum, research, or academic affairs. The bill is assigned to the Senate Higher Education Committee. We oppose this bill because it unnecessarily increases administrative burdens and threatens Georgia colleges, universities, and public K-12 schools with steep financial penalties. Last but not least, SB 116 passed in the Senate and has made its way to the House Public Safety Committee. This bill requires the Department of Corrections to collect DNA samples from people charged (not convicted) with misdemeanor or felony offenses and who are subject to immigration detainer requests if such samples were not taken by ICE. We oppose this bill because it allows invasion of privacy that is protected by the Fourth Amendment and increases financial and administrative burdens for courts, law enforcement agencies, and detention centers. The bill is assigned to the House Public Safety Committee. For details on these and other bills, visit: www.advancingjustice-atlanta.org/policy-updates/ |