Panel advances bill requiring state data sharing with federal authorities on immigration status; health and social‑service witnesses warn of chilling effect

Senate Bill 15‑20 would require state agencies to provide data requested by the federal government regarding unauthorized/undocumented persons and visa overstays through Jan. 1, 2029. Sponsors described the bill as a mechanism to create a full picture of costs and to enable federal coordination; critics said it would convert state agencies into de facto immigration‑enforcement partners, chill health‑care and social‑service utilization, and increase risk to vulnerable populations.

Multiple health and behavioral‑health professionals described how fear of enforcement causes delayed care that leads to higher costs and worse outcomes, including preventable hospitalizations and amputations. Witnesses from faith communities and tribal health services urged rejection, arguing the bill would break trust with patients and clients. Senators debated constitutional protections and whether the Fourth Amendment and due process apply; opponents warned of litigation and collateral consequences if citizens are mistakenly screened. The committee passed SB 15‑20 with a 4‑3 do‑pass recommendation.