Senate supports employer sanctions changes

The Arizona Senate has given preliminary approval to a proposal that would fix perceived flaws in the state's employer sanctions law.

The law prohibiting employers from knowingly hiring illegal immigrants has prompted complaints from business groups which say its requirements are burdensome.

One proposed change would clarify that the law applies only to workers hired this year and thereafter _ and not those hired in previous years.

Republican Sen. Ron Gould of Lake Havasu City opposes the bill and says he believes the proposed changes would gut the law.

Other lawmakers expressed qualified support for the proposed revisions.

A similar measure has already been approved by the House.