Relating to the suspension of certain licenses held by employers for the knowing employment of persons not lawfully present in the United States.
Impact
The passage of HB 622 represents a significant step towards stricter enforcement of immigration laws in Texas, particularly in the employment sector. The bill's proponents argue that it will lead to enhanced accountability among employers regarding the verification of their employees' immigration status. Through the Texas Workforce Commission, the bill aims to streamline the process for reporting and investigating employers, thereby robustly reinforcing legal employment practices in the state. However, the legislation raises concerns about its potential impact on businesses that may struggle to comply with the stringent verification processes.
Summary
House Bill 622 aims to address the employment of individuals who are not lawfully present in the United States by instituting a system of license suspensions for employers who knowingly employ such persons. The bill introduces a new chapter under the Labor Code that outlines definitions pertinent to the legislation, including 'employer', 'employee', and 'license'. Under this bill, all licensing authorities will be required to suspend the licenses of employers found in violation of the law. The suspension applies to any business license held by the employer and is implemented without the need for a hearing or additional review once an order is issued.
Contention
There is notable contention surrounding HB 622, mainly regarding the implications for local economies and small businesses. Critics express concerns that the legislation could lead to unintentional consequences, including the potential loss of valuable employees and the compounding of labor shortages in critical sectors. Additionally, there are fears regarding the administrative burdens it places on employers. Lastly, the automatic and non-reviewable nature of the license suspensions has led to debates about the fairness of such penalties, arguing that a more balanced approach could better serve both enforcement needs and the interests of local businesses.
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.
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.
Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing a Texas Homeland Security Division, and to compensate persons affected by those threats.
Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing the Texas Homeland Security Division and the Border Security Advisory Council, and to compensate persons affected by those threats.
Relating to suspending the employment of certain persons who provide care to individuals with an intellectual or developmental disability and who are alleged to have engaged in reportable conduct; providing an administrative penalty.
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 certain related orders, including immunity from liability and indemnification for enforcement actions, and authorizing or requiring under certain circumstances the removal of persons who violate those prohibitions; creating criminal offenses.
Relating to the regulation of migrant labor housing facilities; authorizing an increase in the amount of a fee; changing the amount of a civil penalty.