By Bob Katzen

Senate 7-32, rejected an amendment to a section of the bill that allows a law enforcement official to request information about a person’s citizenship or immigration status when the officer has an articulable, case-specific reason to believe the person’s citizenship or immigration status is directly material to a list of specific criminal offenses the person has committed. The amendment would allow more criminal offenses to be considered.

Amendment supporters said the amendment is a fair one that would broaden the provision and make it apply to all criminal offenses.

Amendment opponents said the bill applies to all felonies and said the amendment is not necessary.

Sen. Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester), the sponsor of the amendment, did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call asking him why he filed it.

Sen. Cindy Friedman (D-Arlington), the chief opponent of the amendment, did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call asking her why she opposed it.

(A “Yes” vote is for the amendment that would broaden the provision and make it apply to all criminal offenses. A “No” vote is against the amendment.)

Sen. Patricia Jehlen No