Pennsylvania House Bill HB2632

Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 10/21/24
• Refer: 10/21/24

Caption

Prohibiting the employment of unauthorized employees; requiring grant recipient employers to verify the Social Security numbers of employees; imposing duties on the Department of Labor and Industry; and imposing penalties.

Impact

The introduction of HB 2632 poses significant implications for state labor laws by enforcing stricter regulations concerning the hiring of unauthorized workers. In particular, employers must comply with the verification requirements or face penalties, including potential suspension of licenses and a provisional probationary period for repeat offenders. The legislation places responsibility on employers to ensure compliance, which could lead to a greater emphasis on lawful hiring practices and formality within the workforce. This shift is crucial as it affects how state funds are disbursed and monitored, aligning financial assistance with compliance mandates that ensure authorized employment.

Summary

House Bill 2632, known as the Grant Recipient Employee Verification Act, seeks to enhance employment verification for workers through the implementation of the E-Verify program for employers receiving state grants. This bill prohibits employers from knowingly employing individuals lacking legal work authorization, particularly those identified as unauthorized employees. It mandates that these employers must verify the employment eligibility of each new hire via the E-Verify platform, maintaining records for either the duration of employment or three years, whichever is longer. The overarching objective of this legislation is to ensure that state funds are allocated responsibly and that only legally authorized individuals gain employment funded by taxpayer money.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 2632 has been mixed among lawmakers and stakeholders. Supporters argue that the bill is a necessary step towards responsible use of state funds and protecting job opportunities for authorized workers. They view the implementation of E-Verify as a proactive mechanism to combat illegal employment. In contrast, critics express concerns over the potential for discrimination and harm to vulnerable worker populations, as the bill may lead to an increased risk of bias against certain individuals during the hiring process. Discussions on the bill spotlight the balance between regulatory compliance and the protection of workers' rights.

Contention

Contention exists regarding the bill's strict enforcement mechanisms, where violations may lead to significant penalties, including the potential suspension of business licenses for non-compliance. While proponents believe that the penalties will deter unauthorized employment, opponents worry that the punitive measures could disproportionately affect small businesses and lead to job losses. Additionally, the bill's provisions for protection against employer retaliation for employees who report violations introduce a dynamic that some believe may create unnecessary tension in employer-employee relationships, making it a contentious aspect of the legislative discourse.