A sweeping Texas border security bill that Hispanic pastors worried could target their congregants now includes tighter language over immigrants who are in the country illegally.
The bill unanimously passed a House committee Wednesday after assurances that someone wouldn't be arrested for driving their grandmother who is in the U.S. illegally to a hospital. Lawmakers say the bill was tweaked to clarify that human smugglers are the target.
Hispanic religious leaders had packed a Capitol hearing to oppose original language that made it a crime to "recklessly" transport or harbor someone in the U.S. illegally. Pastors expressed concern over being arrested for picking up churchgoers on Sunday mornings.
Hiring more state troopers is also part of the comprehensive border security measure.
The bill now moves to the full Texas House.
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