Texas House Bill HB3667

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Introduced: 3/11/11
• Refer: 3/23/11

Caption

Relating to the establishment and administration of an employment verification compliance program, deterring the use of unauthorized foreign workers, imposing powers and duties on executive agencies, and providing for remedies.

Impact

The passage of HB3667 is expected to have significant implications on labor laws in Texas, particularly impacting employer operations and their obligations regarding hiring practices. The bill imposes strict penalties and administrative duties on employers who knowingly employ unauthorized foreign nationals. It also mandates training requirements for errant employers to enhance their compliance capabilities. Such measures aim to bolster efforts against illegal employment, thus shaping the labor market by promoting lawful hiring practices and potentially reducing job competition between authorized workers and those without legal status.

Summary

House Bill 3667 aims to establish and administer an employment verification compliance program in Texas that focuses on deterring the use of unauthorized foreign workers. The bill aligns with federal laws regarding employment verification and sets forth specific procedures that employers must follow to ensure that their hires are authorized to work in the United States. This includes the mandatory use of the E-Verify system for confirming worker eligibility as part of the hiring processes, which intends to protect citizens and lawful residents by ensuring secure employment practices.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB3667 is likely to be contentious, as it bridges immigration policy and labor law, which are often polarizing subjects. Proponents of the bill argue that it serves to protect jobs for lawful residents and ensures that employers comply fully with immigration laws. Conversely, critics question its effectiveness and warn that overly stringent measures could lead to discrimination and unintended negative effects on local economies, particularly for businesses that rely on immigrant labor.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the implementation of the E-Verify system and the potential financial burden it imposes on small to medium-sized businesses that may not have the resources to comply with the new regulations. Furthermore, debates about the balance between enforcing legal employment practices and the economic necessity of immigrant workers manifest as significant opposition to the bill from various advocacy groups. The bill's requirement for on-site training and the administrative fines for violations are also criticized as being too harsh, potentially discouraging small businesses from hiring altogether.