New Hampshire House Bill HB1124

New Hampshire 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 11/17/21
• Refer: 11/17/21
• Report DNP: 3/3/22

Caption

Requiring businesses to use the federal E-Verify system of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Impact

The implementation of HB1124 is expected to tighten the regulations surrounding employment eligibility in the state. By enforcing the use of a federally sanctioned system, the legislation aims to decrease the chances of undocumented individuals being employed while simultaneously streamlining the verification process for employers. As a result, it may also lead to additional operational requirements for businesses, which could affect their hiring practices and overall workforce dynamics.

Summary

House Bill 1124 mandates that all employers in the state must utilize the federal E-Verify system to confirm the employment eligibility of their workers. The bill is designed to enhance the enforcement of existing laws prohibiting the employment of undocumented workers by requiring businesses to maintain documentation that proves an employee’s legal eligibility to work in the United States. This legislative measure is positioned as a tool to uphold lawful hiring practices while supporting the integrity of the labor market.

Sentiment

The reception of HB1124 has been a mixture of support and concern. Proponents argue that the bill will strengthen the rule of law regarding employment and protect jobs for legally eligible workers. Conversely, opponents express concerns that the mandatory E-Verify requirement could create additional bureaucratic hurdles for businesses, especially small enterprises, which may lack the resources to comply efficiently. There is apprehension that the bill might lead to unintended consequences such as workforce shortages in certain industries that rely on a flexible labor market.

Contention

Debate surrounding HB1124 has focused on the implications of requiring the use of E-Verify. Key points of contention include the potential burden placed on employers to implement the necessary verification processes and the concerns about a possible chilling effect on hiring practices. Detractors point out the risks of inadvertently discriminating against lawful workers due to potential errors within the E-Verify system, as well as the broader humanitarian implications for immigrant communities within the state.