Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Texas House Bill HB1453

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

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 implementation of HB 1453 would substantially change the landscape of employment practices for state contractors and political subdivisions. By making participation in the E-Verify program a prerequisite for contracting with the state, the bill essentially creates a stronger link between state funding and compliance with federal employment laws. This measure is intended to deter unlawful employment practices and ensure that taxpayer funds are not used inappropriately. However, there could be challenges related to the burden placed on small businesses and the potential for increased administrative costs.

Summary

House Bill 1453 mandates that all state contractors and political subdivisions in Texas participate in the federal E-Verify program, which is designed to verify the employment eligibility of individuals. This requirement aims to ensure that no public funds are allocated to entities that may employ individuals who are not legally authorized to work in the United States. The bill also includes provisions that allow for the suspension of licenses held by employers who knowingly hire individuals not lawfully present in the U.S. This legislation seeks to enhance the verification of employee eligibility and prioritize legal employment practices in the state.

Contention

There are notable points of contention surrounding this bill. Critics argue that the mandatory use of E-Verify could create barriers for employers in hiring qualified workers, especially in industries heavily reliant on immigrant labor. There are also concerns regarding privacy and the accuracy of the E-Verify system, which has faced scrutiny for its potential to generate errors that could unjustly penalize employers. Additionally, the ability to suspend licenses may be seen as a heavy-handed approach, particularly in cases where an employer's intent is questioned. This aspect may lead to legal battles and further administrative challenges.

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 HB1476

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

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 HB3030

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

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.

TX HB4

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.

Similar Bills

TX HB2823

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 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 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.