Louisiana House Bill HB342

Louisiana 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/25/11
• Refer: 4/25/11
• Report Pass: 5/10/11
• Engrossed: 5/17/11
• Refer: 5/18/11
• Report Pass: 6/13/11
• Enrolled: 6/22/11
• Chaptered: 6/30/11
• Passed: 6/30/11

Caption

Provides for the verification of citizenship of employees engaged in public contract work

Impact

The implications of HB 342 are significant as they alter how private employers interact with public contracts in Louisiana. By enforcing the use of the E-Verify system, the bill not only seeks to diminish illegal employment practices but also introduces penalties for non-compliance. Employers who fail to verify the legal status of their workers could face the cancellation of public contracts and a ban on bidding for up to three years. This measure is designed to support the integrity of Louisiana's labor force and ensure that taxpayer funds are not allocated to employers who employ unauthorized workers.

Summary

House Bill 342 establishes requirements for employers engaged in public contract work within Louisiana to verify the citizenship status of their employees. The bill mandates that any private employer bidding on public contracts must use a status verification system, specifically the E-Verify program, to confirm that all employees are either legal citizens or legal aliens residing in the United States. This legislative measure aims to enhance state compliance with federal immigration laws and curb illegal immigration by ensuring that public contracts only go to employers who adhere to these verification requirements.

Sentiment

The sentiment around the bill is notably polarized, reflecting broader national debates over immigration policy. Supporters, mainly from the Republican party, argue that this bill is necessary for national security and to protect American jobs, emphasizing that it represents a responsible approach to addressing illegal immigration at the state level. Conversely, opponents criticize the bill as overly harsh and detrimental, arguing that it could disproportionately impact legal residents and create barriers for employers attempting to hire legally, thus stifling economic growth and innovation in public works.

Contention

One of the key points of contention is the potential impact of this bill on Louisiana's workforce and local economies. Critics express concern that the strict verification requirements may lead to a diminished pool of eligible workers for public contracts, particularly in industries where labor shortages are already a concern. Additionally, there are fears that this could lead to unintentional discrimination against legal immigrants and create a chilling effect on the hiring practices of small businesses. The necessity for employers to ensure compliance also raises discussions on the potential costs and administrative burdens that these verification processes would impose.