We expect reasonable and sensible policies from lawmakers. Unfortunately we didn’t get that with the passing of SB 9 today.

The acceptance of S-Comm provisions in SB 9 ignores the fact that S-Comm is facing serious and substantial challenges in many states (Maryland, Illinois, California, Maryland) and is failing on the federal level to make any communities safer.

California Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren has asked the Department of Homeland Security to investigate immigration officials for official misconduct, including possible violations of criminal law, in the implementing of S-Comm.

We just can’t afford this failed program in Texas.

RITA members across the state are deeply disappointed by the anti-immigrant message this bill sends to Texans and frustrated by the potential for this measure to increase taxes at the local level, decrease security for all residents, and facilitate racial profiling.

While we saw state senators frame SB 9 as an anti-crime measure, RITA recognizes it for its inevitable anti-immigrant consequences.

The fact is that SB 9 criminalizes immigrants.

The driver’s license provisions in SB 9 will limit access to the roads for even legal residents, make roads more dangerous and will increase insurance costs for all Texans.

People across our great state spoke out against this measure, spending hours reaching out to their senators and their neighbors to oppose SB 9. They have asked for reasonable and common-sense solutions to the issues facing our state.

We hope senators can come to their senses before Texas starts on the slippery slope of state enforcement of federal immigration laws, which costs taxpayers and tarnishes Texas’ pro-business, family-values reputation.

Most of all, RITA is deeply concerned that SB 9 opens the door to dangerous and costly Arizona-style legislation. We expect better because Texas deserves better. We demand reasonable solutions when it comes to our families, values and economy.