Bill Targets Day Laborers

(State Capitol, Phoenix) Rep. John Kavanagh (R-Fountain Hills) resurrected his bill that removes day laborers from seeking jobs on the public right of way, addressing concerns raised after last year's veto of a similar measure. HB2412 passed the House Homeland Security Committee on a 5-3 vote and moves the full House for consideration. Day laborers loitering in streets or running into traffic have been a growing problem. Kavanagh's bill bans seeking day labor alongside Arizona streets and highways. "This is necessary strictly as a traffic safety measure. There are more accidents and slower traffic conditions because we allow people to stand on the side of the road waving down trucks." Kavanagh said. The Governor vetoed this bill last year insisting that it was an effort to reduce illegal immigration and a federal problem. "Now that we all realize the federal government lacks the ability to fix our illegal immigration problems, I hope she will support this necessary measure." Kavanagh said.