Creates the offense of trespass by an illegal alien
If passed, HB540 would amend chapter 569 of Missouri Revised Statutes by adding section 569.088. This amendment would have significant implications on how illegal immigration is handled within the state, as it would provide law enforcement with additional grounds for prosecuting illegal aliens. Furthermore, it would potentially increase the burden on local law enforcement and judicial systems since they would be tasked with identifying and prosecuting these new offenses.
House Bill 540 introduces a new offense in Missouri law, termed 'trespass by an illegal alien.' Under this bill, if an individual is found to be in violation of state laws or local ordinances and is discovered to be an illegal alien, they would also be charged with trespassing. The bill establishes penalties for this new offense, which could be classified as either a class E or class C felony, depending on the nature of the underlying offense.
The introduction of this bill is likely to spark a debate surrounding immigration policy and local government authority. Supporters may argue that it strengthens state law by addressing illegal immigration directly; however, critics could contend that it unfairly targets vulnerable populations and may lead to increased racial profiling. The bill could also raise concerns regarding civil liberties as it expands penalties for individuals based on their immigration status.