[Angela Russell]

Commissioner Fox,

Several persons have expressed concerns about this particular “immigration law” requirement of the ordinance. I understand that many organizations have identification processes in place.

However, one concern expressed is that some basic (water/food) survival service non-profits do not require identification as a requirement for the service. For instance food pantries, meals delivered to the elderly, or homeless shelters serving Christmas meals do not request identification. I would like to ensure that the wording is such that we are not requiring a meals on wheels type organization to force their volunteers to “card” an elderly person before they can leave the meal.

The second concern expressed is that an organization receiving funding (for instance something similar to a park) would be overburdened to have to card or identify each person entering their facility in the normal course of business, especially if many of their patrons are non-driving minors.

Would you be willing to adjust the wording so organizations providing basic food/water services or organizations open to ALL members of the general public in the normal course of business not be required to implement new “carding or immigration status” processes?
I appreciate the hard work you have done on this ordinance and appreciate your consideration of my request.

Also I plan to make the suggested wording change to item 5 as follows:
5. STATEMENT SAYING THE ORGANIZATION UNDERSTANDS THEY WILL BE REQUIRED TO ENTER INTO A signed contractual agreement allowing Knox County’s internal audit department to be granted access to all records for financial, operational, and compliance auditing that the internal audit department deems necessary.

Thank you, Commissioner Russell