AUSTIN – In a surprise move, the Texas House approved a proposal that would target so-called “sanctuary businesses” that hire immigrants who are in the country illegally.

An amendment by Rep. Rafael Anchia, D-Dallas, required businesses with Texas Railroad Commission contracts -- and those that the agency regulates -- to attest under penalty of perjury that they have not hired immigrants who are not legally authorized to work in the United States. It also directed the agency to report businesses to local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities if they fail to comply, and to publish a list of their names on the commission's website. Violating the measure would be a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a $4,000 fine.