Mississippi House Bill HB448

Mississippi 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/5/22
• Refer: 1/5/22
• Failed: 2/1/22

Caption

E-verify program; transfer responsibility of administering to the Commission of Agriculture and Commerce.

Impact

The bill imposes additional penalties on employers found to be in violation of employment verification requirements. By regulating the process through the Department of Agriculture and Commerce, the state intends to strengthen oversight of employer compliance regarding the hiring of only legal citizens and legally present aliens. This legislative shift is expected to have significant implications for the agricultural labor force, making it crucial for employers in this sector to adapt swiftly to new compliance measures.

Summary

House Bill 448 seeks to amend the Mississippi Employment Protection Act by transferring the administration of the E-Verify Program from the Mississippi Department of Employment Security to the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce. This change aims to enhance the enforcement of labor laws concerning the employment of unauthorized workers in the state, with a particular focus on agricultural sectors which often employ a significant number of immigrant workers.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 448 concern its potential impact on the state’s workforce. Proponents argue that the bill will help ensure that businesses do not exploit undocumented labor and will protect legal workers from unfair competition. However, critics express concerns about the feasibility and potential negative repercussions on labor availability, particularly in agriculture, where there is heavy reliance on immigrant workers. Furthermore, the enforcement of enhanced penalties may lead to increased operational costs for businesses, potentially stifling economic activity in the agriculture sector.