Image Credit: capitol.tn.gov
The Tennessee Conservative [By Adelia Kirchner] –
On Wednesday during a meeting of the House Finance, Ways and Means Subcommittee, a bill that could have put illegal immigrants who commit violent crimes behind bars for life was “placed behind the budget.”
House Bill 1872 (HB1872), sponsored by Rep. Monty Fritts (R-Kingston-District 32), would have allowed Tennessee courts to enhance criminal penalties up to life in prison without parole for:
• Illegal aliens convicted of violent crimes
• Illegal aliens convicted of possession of a firearm or deadly weapon
• Any person convicted of a violent crime on the property of a public or private K-12 school, technical school, or university in Tennessee
The Corresponding Senate bill, SB2770, sponsored by Sen. Janice Bowling (R-Tullahoma-District 16), was recommended for passage to the Senate Finance, Ways and Means Committee by the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday.
During the House subcommittee meeting on March 27th, 2024, Rep. Ryan Williams (R-Cookeville-District 42) asked the bill sponsor, Rep. Fritts, if he had considered legislation like what was recently passed in Texas and if it would be a better financial decision to simply allow the courts to deport illegal immigrants who commit these kinds of crimes.
“I did consider that,” answered Rep. Fritts. “I thought that would be a bar too high to be honest with you, to be able to get to the deportation, because there would be a cost with that as well and the cost of the fiscal note on this doesn’t come into effect I think until (2030-2031).”
“My primary emphasis on the illegals is to address the invasion that we have at our southern border by making Tennessee a little less favorable residency place for those who plan to come here and commit violent crimes,” he continued.
“I might argue if they knew they’d have to go back to where they came from […] it would be a deterrent,” responded Rep. Williams.
With no subcommittee members choosing to continue the discussion, Chairman Gary Hicks (R-Rogersville-District 9), announced that HB1872 would be going behind the governor’s budget.
“There is a cost associated with House Bill 1872, so we will have to place it behind the budget and consider it at a later date,” Chairman Hicks stated.
When a bill is placed “behind the budget” it usually means two things: (1) there is significant fiscal impact associated with the bill’s passage; and/or (2) the bill is not part of the governor’s proposed budget which takes precedence in the appropriations process.
According to its fiscal note, passage of HB1872, “may result in an increase in incarceration expenditures beginning after FY30-31; however, the extent and timing of any such increase is dependent upon the action of the court and cannot be determined with reasonable certainty.”
About the Author: Adelia Kirchner is a Tennessee resident and reporter for the Tennessee Conservative. Currently the host of Subtle Rampage Podcast, she has also worked for the South Dakota State Legislature and interned for Senator Bill Hagerty’s Office in Nashville, Tennessee.
You can reach Adelia at adelia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
