I'm Paris Jackson in the Cascade PBS newsroom.

State lawmakers have been considering several bills related to immigration, as the federal government has aggressively stepped up enforcement efforts.

Attorney General Nick Brown requested the Immigrant Worker Protection Act.

The bill would require employers to inform workers about planned federal immigration enforcement.

Proponents of the bill point to the economic benefits immigrant workers provide.

No one should go to work in fear.

This policy creates predictability, strengthens community safety, and helps our economy function better for everyone.

Opponents argue the bill would conflict with federal law.

While we're, you know, the stated goal is to protect employees, we want to make sure that we're not unintentionally putting employers in a bad situation.

Similar legislation has been passed in several states, including California, Oregon, and Illinois.

Another bill, which we covered a few weeks ago, known as a Secure Accountable Federal Enforcement or SAFE act, Senate Bill 5906 will require court orders for federal immigration agents to enter nonpublic spaces such as schools, health care facilities and election offices.

Supporters said the bill brings clarity to fearful families.

This clarity matters because uncertainty around enforcement practices creates a chilling effect on families, who avoid schools, childcare and medical care, which undermines public health, educational outcomes and community stability.

The bill would also prohibit school district and early learning employees from collecting data on the status of their students and their families.

It passed the Senate and now moves to the House for consideration.

I'm Paris Jackson.

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