The Kansas Senate debated an amendment Thursday to replace a business-backed illegal immigration bill with what some lawmakers called a stronger version. The measure, once passed, would require businesses to use the federal E-Verify database to ensure they are hiring legal workers. It would also penalize those convicted of hiring illegal immigrants.

Illegal immigration is high on the agenda of many legislators who said people are concerned about the increased number of illegal immigrants in Kansas. Some estimates put the number of illegal immigrants at 90,000.

Supporters of stricter laws said neighboring states like Oklahoma and Colorado have tougher laws that could cause illegal immigrants to move to Kansas.

If the bill eventually passes, it will go to the House, which is expected to debate its own bill Thursday.