Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1841

Voted on by Senate
 
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the verification of employment authorization by governmental entities, state contractors, and state grant recipients, including the use of the federal E-verify program.

Impact

The passage of SB1841 is expected to significantly impact state laws regarding hiring practices and contractor eligibility for state contracts. By requiring governmental entities and contractors to verify the employment eligibility of their employees, the bill aims to prevent the hiring of unauthorized workers. This change could lead to an increase in compliance costs for businesses and governmental entities that must adapt their hiring processes to align with the new regulations. Moreover, the requirement for participation in E-Verify could increase the speed and reliability of the verification process, but may also place additional administrative burdens on these entities.

Summary

SB1841 pertains to the verification of employment authorization for individuals employed by governmental entities, state contractors, and recipients of state grants in Texas. The bill mandates that these entities register and participate in the E-Verify program, which is a federal initiative designed to verify the employment eligibility of new hires. Additionally, if an entity does not participate in E-Verify, it must still ensure the employment authorization of its employees through certain identification documents. This bill aims to bolster the integrity of hiring practices by ensuring that only authorized employees are given jobs, thereby supporting the state’s immigration enforcement efforts.

Contention

Notably, SB1841 may lead to debates surrounding the implications of stricter employment verification processes. Proponents argue that the law is a necessary step in combating illegal immigration and ensuring that public funds are not used to subsidize employers of unauthorized workers. Critics, however, may raise concerns about the potential for discrimination and challenges faced by legitimate workers, especially those new to the country who may have difficulty obtaining the required documentation. Furthermore, there could be apprehensions regarding the effectiveness of E-Verify, given its reputation for inaccuracies and the burden it places on businesses and governmental agencies alike.

Companion Bills

TX HB3584

Identical Relating to the verification of employment authorization by governmental entities, state contractors, and state grant recipients, including the use of the federal E-verify program.

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 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 HB602

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

TX SB356

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

TX HB2749

Relating to the verification of the veteran status of inmates and prisoners.

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 HB59

Relating to verification of citizenship or legal residency for purposes of certain contracts for or concerning the purchase of residential real property located in platted subdivisions; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB5094

Relating to the administration of the financial responsibility verification program.

TX HB3030

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

Similar Bills

TX HB3584

Relating to the verification of employment authorization by governmental entities, state contractors, and state grant recipients, including the use of the federal E-verify program.

TX SB84

Relating to requiring governmental entities and contractors with governmental entities to participate in the federal electronic verification of work authorization program, or E-verify.

TX HB88

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

TX HB1730

Relating to requiring state contractors to participate in the federal electronic verification of work authorization program, or E-verify.

TX HB676

Relating to requiring state contractors to participate in the federal electronic verification of work authorization program, or E-verify.

TX HB202

Relating to requiring state contractors to participate in the federal electronic verification of work authorization program, or E-verify.

TX HB889

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

TX SB401

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