By Bill Zeeble
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-668722.mp3
Dallas, TX – The first ordinance was passed last year but never went into effect after it was challenged in court as unconstitutional. It would have punished landlords' who rented apartments to illegal immigrants. The federal judge has yet to issue a final ruling.
The new proposal would force any potential home or apartment rental occupants to first buy a 5-dollar occupancy license from the city before moving in. The city would then check the renter's status. If found to be here illegally, he would either be evicted or the landlord would pay 500 dollars a day per violation. Advocates say the ordinance gets around constitutional issues. Critics say it's as illegal as last years' law.
.PDF file of Tuesday night's city council agenda