Louisiana House Bill HCR170

Louisiana 2010 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/17/10
• Refer: 5/18/10

Caption

Urges and requests the state departments and agencies to refrain from continuing business transactions with the state of Arizona until the Support Our Law Enforcement and Safe Neighborhoods Act is repealed

Impact

If passed, the resolution would symbolically express Louisiana's stance against the Arizona law, seen by many as discriminatory and harmful to immigrant communities. This action could strain relations between Louisiana and Arizona, particularly in areas of commerce and partnership, by positioning Louisiana against policies perceived as unjust. It underscores the legislative intent to protect the rights of all individuals within Louisiana's jurisdiction and to counteract state laws that allegedly promote racial profiling.

Summary

House Concurrent Resolution 170 urges state departments and agencies in Louisiana to halt business transactions with the state of Arizona until Arizona's controversial Support Our Law Enforcement and Safe Neighborhoods Act is repealed. This resolution aligns with growing concerns about the implications of the Arizona law, which empowers local authorities to inquire into individuals' immigration status based on reasonable suspicion. The resolution reflects apprehensions regarding the Arizona law's potential to reinforce racial profiling and violate due process and equal protection rights guaranteed under the Fourteenth Amendment.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HCR170 appears to be largely negative towards the Arizona law, with strong support from lawmakers who advocate for civil rights and equality. The resolution aligns with a broader movement critical of laws seen as xenophobic or discriminatory. While there may be some divergent views among constituents on immigration policy, the legislative sentiment overall suggests a united front against what many perceive to be an overreach by Arizona’s state law.

Contention

Notable points of contention center on the implications of the Support Our Law Enforcement and Safe Neighborhoods Act and its potential for encouraging racial profiling. Critics argue that the law not only compromises the human rights of individuals but also can lead to profiling that disproportionately impacts minority communities. Supporters of HCR170 highlight the necessity of taking a stand against such practices, thereby framing the resolution as a defense of civil liberties in opposition to perceived overreach by other states.