PHOENIX — Invoking the name of a store clerk shot to death, the state Senate voted Monday to require those not here legally who are convicted of certain crimes to serve their full sentences without the chance of parole.
But they quashed two other measures aimed at illegal immigration.
In a surprise move, the Senate refused to approve legislation that would have financially penalized cities and counties that the attorney general determined offer “sanctuary” to those in the country illegally.
The move came despite a last-minute plea from Senate President Andy Biggs, who said local governments should be required to comply with the laws and policies enacted by the Legislature.
They also defeated a separate measure that would have prohibited local governments from issuing identification cards unless applicants could produce certain documents — documents not generally available to those who are here illegally.
But the sponsors of both measures still have the chance to try to change some minds and resurrect both of them.
The measure that was approved, SB 1377, was dubbed “Grant’s Law” by Sen. Steve Smith, R-Maricopa.
That is for Grant Ronnebeck, who was working the graveyard shift at a Mesa convenience store in January 2015 when he was shot, apparently for not giving someone his cigarettes fast enough. According to police, the man arrested was in the country illegally, had been convicted of burglary in 2012 and was placed on probation. A judge had ordered immigration officials notified of his conviction.
SB 1377, approved on a 19-11 vote, says if someone is in the country illegally and commits a crime under certain circumstances, that person must be sentenced to prison for the full term allowed. Those conditions range from use of a weapon and committing a crime for financial purposes to whether the victim was a senior citizen.
Sen. Martin Quezada, D-Phoenix, said there’s no reason to single out people not in this country legally for special treatment.
“It doesn’t serve to further protect our community,” he said. “It only serves to make a political point.”
Quezada and others had better luck blocking SB 1378.
That measure, also sponsored by Smith, was designed to block the state treasurer from giving any shared revenue dollars to any “sanctuary city.”
Smith’s legislation defined that as providing any “public benefits” without first getting proof of citizenship or lawful presence. That requirement for both state and local governments was approved by voters in 2004.
The Senate also narrowly defeated SB 1017.
It is aimed mainly at the city of Phoenix, which is considering whether to issue municipal ID cards to residents. Proponents say those cards will make it easier for those people to get certain services as well as have dealings with police.
