SALT LAKE CITY — A state senator is planning to introduce a bill that would repeal Utah’s controversial guest-worker law before it even has a chance to be implemented.
Sen. Curt Bramble, R-Provo, announced on Friday that he intended to repeal House Bill 116, which would have established a program for illegal immigrants to work in Utah, if they paid a fine, underwent a criminal history check and registered with the state.
The bill passed in 2011 amid controversy surrounding immigration in Utah.
In a meeting with reporters on Friday, Bramble said the law could not take effect without a federal waiver, and that has never happened.
“The bill has been in place now for five years,” he said. “It doesn’t appear we’re getting a waiver. If we don’t repeal the bill, the tax commission would be obligated to change their systems, it would be a very costly proposition.”
Bramble sought permission from the Senate to open the bill file. Draft legislation is expected in the coming weeks.
