TX
Texas House Bill HB2823

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Texas House Bill HB2823

Caption

Relating to requiring state contractors and political subdivisions of this state to participate in the federal electronic verification of employment authorization program, or E-verify, and authorizing the suspension of certain licenses held by private employers for the knowing employment of persons not lawfully present in this state; authorizing a fee.

Impact

The implications of HB 2823 on state laws include the establishment of a framework for verifying employee eligibility based on federal guidelines. State agencies will be prohibited from awarding contracts unless the contractors verify their employees' legal work status through E-Verify. Contractual obligations will include a certification from contractors regarding their compliance with this requirement. Failure to adhere to the established verification process could lead to barring from future state contracts and the potential suspension of business licenses for employers found to be knowingly hiring individuals not legally present in Texas.

Summary

House Bill 2823 mandates that state contractors and political subdivisions in Texas utilize the federal E-Verify program for employment verification. This legislation aims to ensure that individuals employed by these entities are legally authorized to work in the United States. By compelling the participation of contractors in the E-Verify system, the bill seeks to curtail illegal employment practices and enhance job security for lawful residents, thereby reinforcing compliance with federal immigration laws.

Contention

Notable points of contention revolve around the enforcement and practical implications of the E-Verify requirements. Critics of the bill may raise concerns regarding the burden it places on small businesses, which might struggle with compliance costs and administrative responsibilities associated with keeping up with verification processes. Additionally, there may be apprehension regarding the accuracy of the E-Verify system, which could inadvertently lead to wrongful terminations or discrimination claims against employers. Proponents argue that the bill is essential for maintaining the integrity of the workforce and protecting jobs for legally present individuals.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB3846

Relating to requiring state contractors, political subdivisions of this state, and private employers to participate in the federal electronic verification of employment authorization program, or E-verify.

TX SB1621

Relating to requiring state contractors, political subdivisions of this state, and private employers to participate in the federal electronic verification of employment authorization program, or E-verify.

TX HB602

Relating to requiring political subdivisions of this state to participate in the federal electronic verification of employment authorization program, or E-verify.

TX SB81

Relating to certain laws that regulate aspects of illegal immigration in this state, including laws pertaining to the DNA records of certain persons subject to an immigration detainer request, the recognition of certain out-of-state driver's licenses, inviting certain federal agencies to participate on the homeland security council, the reporting of certain uncompensated hospital care costs, and certain requirements for participation in the E-verify program; increasing a criminal penalty.

TX SB356

Relating to a franchise tax credit for a taxable entity that participates in the federal electronic verification of employment authorization program.

TX HB178

Relating to verification of identity and employment authorization in connection with certain contracts for or concerning the conveyance of residential real property and residential leases.

TX HB1476

Relating to a limitation on the salary paid to officers and employees of this state and political subdivisions of this state.

TX HB3030

Relating to required verification of the employment history of certain job applicants.

TX SB513

Relating to the verification of the accuracy of an application for a license to practice medicine in this state.

TX HB40

Relating to prohibitions on the illegal entry into or illegal presence in this state by a person who is an alien, the enforcement of those prohibitions, and authorizing under certain circumstances the removal of persons who violate certain of those prohibitions; creating criminal offenses.

Similar Bills

TX SB1928

Relating to requiring state contractors and political subdivisions of this state to participate in the federal electronic verification of employment authorization program, or E-verify, and authorizing the suspension of certain licenses held by private employers for the knowing employment of unauthorized aliens; authorizing a fee.

TX HB1453

Relating to requiring state contractors and political subdivisions of this state to participate in the federal electronic verification of employment authorization program, or E-verify, and authorizing the suspension of certain licenses held by private employers for the knowing employment of persons not lawfully present in this state; authorizing a fee.

TX HB630

Relating to requiring state contractors and governmental entities to participate in the federal electronic verification of work authorization program, or E-Verify, and authorizing the suspension of certain licenses held by private employers for the knowing employment of persons not lawfully present in this state; authorizing a fee.

TX HB2301

Relating to requiring state contractors and governmental entities to participate in the federal electronic verification of work authorization program, or E-Verify, and authorizing the suspension of certain licenses held by private employers for the knowing employment of persons not lawfully present in this state; authorizing a fee.

TX SB85

Relating to the verification of employment authorization by state contractors and state grant recipients, including the use of the federal E-verify program, and to authorization for the suspension of certain licenses held by private employers for the knowing employment of persons not lawfully present in this state; authorizing a fee.

TX HB1488

Relating to employment practices of governmental entities, state contractors, and private employers in this state regarding the legal status of employees, including requiring participation in the federal electronic verification of employment authorization program, or E-verify program, and authorizing the suspension of certain licenses held by private employers for certain conduct in relation to the employment of persons not lawfully present; providing an administrative penalty.

DE HB89

An Act To Amend Titles 19 And 29 Relating To Home Improvement Dispute Resolution.

TX HB2744

Relating to requiring state contractors, political subdivisions of this state, and private employers to participate in the federal electronic verification of employment authorization program, or E-verify; creating civil penalties.