NC House Approves Lawsuit Option Against "Sanctuary" Policies

The North Carolina House wants to give individuals the ability to sue cities or counties that enact policies blocking enforcement of federal immigration laws or preventing their officers from gathering information about someone's immigration status.

State law already prohibits "sanctuary" policies, but the measure approved Wednesday by the chamber goes further. It allows anyone to file a lawsuit to halt such a policy should local government initiate one.

The bill's chief sponsor is Republican Rep. George Cleveland of Onslow County. A previous version of his bill would have directed the Attorney General to investigate claims that such policies exist and suspend the distribution of revenues to local government found to be in violation.

The latest edition, without that provision, advanced to the Senate following a largely party-line vote of 65-52.