After a marathon debate, lasting over 16 hours, the bill referred to as the sanctuary cities bill, SB 4 (Perry/Geren), was given tentative approval by the House. Out of 75 amendments debated on the floor yesterday and early this morning, 11 amendments were adopted. One of those adopted amendments, in an 81-64 vote, would allow law enforcement to inquire about the immigration status of anyone detained for investigation of a criminal offense.
Rep. Dennis Bonnen made a motion, which was adopted, just after 2 a.m. to end debate by consolidating all remaining amendments on the Speaker’s desk as considered and failed. After the House passed the bill to third reading, they took up the rest of the calendar with over 50 bills to further discuss.
By the numbers:
- Debate started at 10:52 a.m. on 4/26
- A total of 75 amendments were laid out on the floor
- 10 Points of Order were called on the bill – none were sustained
- 2 Points of Order called on amendments – one was sustained
- 11 total amendments were adopted
- Bill vote at 2:58 a.m. on 4/27
- Vote to pass to third reading: 93 ayes and 54 nays
