The state Senate passed a bill yesterday that seeks to make Missouri less attractive for people living and working in America without the correct paperwork.

Gov. Matt Blunt praised the passage of Senate Bill 858.

“Illegal immigration is a serious problem in our country and state,” said Blunt in a written statement. “It is not only an assault on the sanctity of our laws but a potential threat to the safety and security of Missouri families.”

St. Louis Senator Harry Kennedy disagrees.

“I’m worried that this bill amounts to an unfunded mandate on our city and county governments, especially our courts and prison systems,” Kennedy said.

“The mandatory jailing of people whose identities cannot be immediately established will lead to overcrowding in our city and county jails and could lead to the release of offenders who have done much worse than overstayed their visa.”

SB 858, sponsored by Sen. Scott Rupp (R-Wentzville), prohibits the creation of so-called “sanctuary cities” in the state; requires verification of legal employment status of every public employee; allows for cancellation of state contracts for contractors if they hire illegal immigrants; requires public agencies to verify the legal status of applicants before providing welfare benefits; further criminalizes the transportation of illegal immigrants for purposes of human trafficking, drug trafficking, prostitution or illegal labor; and prohibits illegal immigrants from obtaining driver licenses.

The bill also prohibits employers from knowingly hiring illegal immigrants.

“I am very opposed to illegal immigration, but with the current economic downturn, I’m worried about imposing another unfunded mandate on our businesses and local governments,” Sen. Kennedy said.

On Monday, the Missouri Senate Financial, Governmental Organizations, and Elections Committee heard testimony on several measures. Senate Bill 1245, sponsored by Sen. Gary Nodler, R-Joplin, would bar a felon from holding public office in the state.

The committee also heard testimony on House Bill 1310, sponsored by Rep. Theodore Hoskins (D-Berkeley). The legislation would require independent candidates to file declarations of candidacy and petitions for nomination by the same deadlines established for other candidates.

Committee chairman Sen. Delbert Scott (R-Lowry City) said the bill would help make the playing field more level and help prevent political “games” commonly played by both Democrats and Republicans.

Sen. Harry Kennedy (D-St. Louis) said the bill would help prevent “shenanigans” and people trying to “skirt the system.”

The committee also heard testimony on Senate Bill 1231, a proposal to implement instant runoff voting in Missouri, a system where voters rank the candidates in order of preference using one ballot.

Sen. Jeff Smith (D-St. Louis) presented the bill on behalf of sponsor Sen. John Loudon (R-Chesterfield).

Under the system, if no candidate has a majority, the lowest ranked candidate drops out and the next highest rankings on the ballots are attributed to the other candidates accordingly, until a candidate achieves a majority.