OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The House author of an illegal immigration bill being considered by lawmakers this year says the measure will target human smugglers and attorneys who prey on illegal immigrants, but will do nothing to penalize employers who hire illegal workers.

Details of the bill obtained by The Associated Press show the measure also authorizes state and local law enforcement to recommend immigrants for certain types of visas if the immigrants report and aid in the investigation of illegal criminal activity.

House author Rep. George Faught, R-Muskogee, says the bill is a "novel approach" to targeting the public safety implications of illegal immigration.

But some of the Legislature's harshest critics of illegal immigration called the measure "watered down" and say it will do nothing to stop illegal immigration in Oklahoma.