TOPEKA — A Republican-led Senate committee in Kansas chose not to take action on a bill Monday that would limit public benefits for individuals in the state without permanent legal status and allow higher bond prices for those charged with crimes.
Senate Bill 254 was scheduled for discussion, but Committee Chair Sen. Mike Thompson, a Shawnee Republican, announced that the bill would not be reviewed as planned. Last Thursday, Thompson removed opponents of the bill from the hearing room after they had spoken for just 12 minutes, while Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach, a supporter of the bill, was given equal speaking time.
Rep. Susan Ruiz, a Shawnee Democrat, expressed frustration over the delay, calling it “convenient” and adding, “I don’t trust ’em.”
The bill, if passed, would bar people without permanent legal status from receiving federal, state, and local public benefits, excluding government-issued IDs. It also includes a provision requiring courts to check an individual’s immigration status with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security before setting bond, allowing higher bond amounts for individuals believed to be in the country illegally. This could lead to longer detentions before a determination of criminal guilt.
Despite the absence of two committee members—Republican Sens. Tory Marie Blew and William Clifford—Thompson explained that no action would be taken due to their absence and mentioned a forthcoming amendment to the bill.
However, Rep. Melissa Oropeza, a Democrat from Kansas City, questioned the decision, stating, “This is the people’s house, after all.”
Karla Juarez, Executive Director of Advocates for Immigrant Rights and Reconciliation, noted the large turnout of attendees, many of whom were at the Statehouse for “All Latinos at the Capitol” and “Latina Leadership Day.” She expressed concern about the bill’s potential impact on communities across the state, stating, “We’re all watching.”
Kobach testified in favor of the bill last Thursday, arguing that it would bring Kansas in line with federal law and neighboring states like Missouri, Nebraska, and Oklahoma. He emphasized, “It is crystal clear that Kansas stands in direct violation of two federal statutes.”
Thursday’s hearing ended with tension, as Thompson ordered attendees to leave after receiving limited time to testify. Marta Silva, a high school teacher, expressed concern about the bill’s impact on her students, asking, “How do I teach my students? Are you forcing me to discriminate against the ones who don’t have the legal status perceived by the state?”
Beto Lugo Martinez, an environmental justice organizer, also spoke out, criticizing the one-sided nature of the testimony. Thompson cut off his microphone and ordered the room cleared, slamming his hand on the desk in frustration.
As the room emptied, Lugo Martinez continued to voice his dissent, saying, “You cannot just hear from one side of bigotry and racism and not hear from the people that are affected whose land you are all on.”
Related topics:
