Governor Perry Adds Sanctuary City Legislation to Special Session Call

Governor Rick Perry has added legislation to the special session call cracking down on immigration violations and sanctuary cities.

The bills would give immigration violations equal priority to violent crimes, require a check of immigration status before issuing a driver’s license, and would require officers to check the immigration status of a person when they are arrested.

Governor Perry said “Abolishing sanctuary cities in Texas, using the federal Secure Communities program and ensuring that only individuals who are here legally can obtain a valid Texas Driver’s license sends a clear message that Texas will not turn a blind eye to those breaking our laws.”

Other items added to the special session call include legislation relating to health care cost containment, congressional redistricting, Texas Windstorm Insurance Association, and implementation of House Bill 1, which deals with general appropriations.

Perry called state legislators back for a special session immediately after the close of the regular session of the 82^nd Texas Legislature.