In an aboutface, the chairman of the Cobb County Commission said Friday that county government wants to begin requiring proof of legal residency for all business license applications and renewals.

Sam Olens, who previously said the residency proof only was required for about 10 government-licensed occupations — such as sales solicitors, carnivals, and taxi driver, now says it should extend to all businesses.

"From a public policy perspective, everyone ought to be treated the same," said Olens, who will ask the county commission to approve the change next month and make it effective Sept. 1.

Two weeks ago, a Marietta opponent of illegal immigration sued the county over the business license issue. D.A. King claimed Cobb was not enforcing state law requiring applicants for "public benefits" to prove they are legal residents. King asserted the business license was a public benefit.

Elise Shore, regional general counsel for the Mexican American Legal Defense Fund in Atlanta, said county and state government should stay out of immigration law.

"This is a perfect example of why the state should not be in the business of drafting laws that have to do with federal immigration law," Shore said.