Pennsylvania House Bill HB2619

Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 10/7/24
• Refer: 10/7/24

Caption

Prohibiting the employment of unauthorized employees; requiring meat packing and food preparation industry employers to verify the Social Security numbers of employees; imposing duties on the Department of Labor and Industry; and imposing penalties.

Impact

The bill is expected to significantly influence the regulatory framework governing employment within the targeted industries. By imposing stricter verification requirements on employers, it aims to reduce illegal employment practices and enhance workforce integrity. However, this could burden employers, particularly small businesses that may find compliance challenging. The potential for penalties associated with non-compliance could also lead to increased scrutiny of employment practices in the affected sectors, ultimately affecting operational decisions and hiring practices.

Summary

House Bill 2619, also known as the Meat Packing and Food Preparation Industry Employee Verification Act, aims to enhance compliance with labor laws by preventing the employment of unauthorized workers in Pennsylvania's meat packing and food preparation industries. The bill mandates that employers in these sectors verify the Social Security numbers and work authorization of their employees using the E-Verify program. Employers are defined as those with 100 or more employees and must maintain records verifying the eligibility of employees for the duration of their employment or for three years, whichever is longer. Noncompliance could lead to penalties such as license suspension and other remedial actions.

Sentiment

Sentiment around HB 2619 appears to be mixed, with proponents arguing that the measure is necessary to safeguard jobs for legal workers and to ensure that all employees have the right to work in the United States. Supporters emphasize that the bill supports fair competition within the industry by holding employers accountable. Conversely, opponents express concern that such a stringent enforcement mechanism might lead to workforce shortages, as businesses may struggle to find eligible workers and could also face increased administrative burdens. There are fears that the bill could disproportionately impact lower-income and immigrant communities within Pennsylvania.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 2619 include debates over the implementation of the E-Verify program and its effectiveness. Critics raise questions about the reliability of the verification process and the potential for costly legal challenges against employers who may inadvertently violate the law. Additionally, there is concern regarding the bill's potential to pave the way for discriminatory practices, with opponents warning that increased employer scrutiny might lead to racial or ethnic profiling in hiring decisions. The balance between ensuring a legal workforce and protecting worker rights remains a central theme in discussions regarding this legislation.