Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY -- The Utah lawmaker who's sponsoring a controversial bill that would require officers to detain people they suspect are illegal immigrants is coming to the defense of the fiscal note attached to the bill.
The Legislative Fiscal Analysts Office says HB70 could cost local governments between $5.3 million and $11.3 million to enforce. But Sandstrom says that is not extra money, it's part of the money already used to put police officers on the streets.
"Law enforcement is law enforcement," he said. "Whether they're pulling somebody over, arresting them for a DUI or shoplifting or this bill, it's still law enforcement," said Sandstrom. "To make it sound like it's going to cost additional money, it's just not the case."
Analysts say the costs associated with the bill come from the amount of time it would take officers to investigate immigration status. Critics, including some in police agencies, worry about what it will cost in hours away from other law enforcement duties.
Ultimately, Sandstrom says the bill will save the state millions. "We save costs in education, we save costs in healthcare, police arrests and detainment," Sandstrom said. "Because there's fewer people in the state illegally, so really overall it's going to save money."
Despite opposition surrounding the bill, it is moving forward. Sandstrom says it should be in committee within the week.
------
Story written with contributions from Marc Giauque and Anne Forester.
