Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB610

Introduced
2/20/25  

Caption

In public works employment verification, further providing for definitions, for duty of public works contractors and subcontractors, for verification form, for violations, for enforcement and sanctions, for Public Works Employment Verification Account, for protection from retaliation, for good faith immunity and for public works contractor and subcontractor liability; and making an editorial change.

Impact

If enacted, HB610 will significantly strengthen the Pennsylvania law governing employment verification for public works projects. It creates a structured process for contractors, requiring them to enroll in the E-Verify program and submit compliance forms, thus placing greater accountability on public works contractors. This measure is anticipated to reduce reliance on undocumented labor and ensure that public funds are not supporting illegal employment.

Summary

House Bill 610 focuses on enhancing employment verification procedures for public works contractors and subcontractors in Pennsylvania. The bill outlines how these entities must utilize the E-Verify program to confirm the eligibility of their employees to work legally in the United States. Key provisions include the specification of a verification form to be submitted prior to contract execution, and a detailed explanation of the responsibilities and duties of contractors regarding verification. The bill aims to streamline the enforcement of employment laws in public works projects and reduce illegal employment in government contracts.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB610 appears mixed, with proponents arguing that it is a necessary step to ensure that all contractors follow federal laws regarding employment eligibility. They emphasize that this measure will help protect legal workers and promote fair labor practices. Conversely, some critics express concern that imposing stringent verification requirements might burden small contractors, potentially leading to increased labor costs and reduced job opportunities.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding HB610 revolve around concerns related to potential discrimination during the verification process and the implications for small businesses. Opponents worry that stringent verification requirements may inadvertently lead to discriminatory practices against certain groups based on race or ethnicity, despite the prohibition of such discrimination outlined in the bill. Additionally, the bill's enforcement provisions may raise concerns about compliance burdens on smaller contractors, who may lack the resources to efficiently manage the verification process.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB274

In public works employment verification, further providing for definitions, for duty of public works contractors and subcontractors, for verification form, for violations, for enforcement and sanctions, for Public Works Employment Verification Account, for protection from retaliation, for good faith immunity and for public works contractor and subcontractor liability; and making an editorial change.

PA HB1183

Providing for verification of construction contractors and for procedures for verification; establishing the Construction Contractor Verification Account; imposing penalties; and making an appropriation.

PA HB2360

Providing for verification of construction contractors and for procedures for verification; establishing the Construction Contractor Verification Account; imposing penalties; and making an appropriation.

PA HB421

In public assistance, further providing for verification of eligibility.

PA HB53

In public assistance, further providing for verification of eligibility.

PA HB1457

Further providing for definitions; providing for medical loss ratio; and making editorial changes.

PA HB1141

In preliminary provisions, further providing for short title, for declaration of intent and for definitions; in wages and hours, further providing for minimum wages, for piece rates, for employment of minors, for discrimination on account of sex prohibited, for records required and notice to workers, for wage payment and for hours of labor and providing for minimum guaranteed period of employment; in regulations and inspections, further providing for rules and regulations, for inspections and entry, for permit to operate a seasonal farm labor camp, for enforcement orders, for civil remedies and for drinking water and toilet facilities and providing for food service and cooking facilities, for cooperative agreements with Federal and State agencies, for medical services and for posting of information concerning housing; in access and entry, further providing for tenancy rights, for interference prohibited and for privileged persons and providing for privacy rights of tenants; in registration of farm labor contractors, further providing for annual registration required, for qualifications of registrants, for agents exempt from registration and employment agencies, for farm labor contractors and agents and prohibited activities and for Secretary of Labor and Industry and powers and duties; in construction, repeals, penalties and effective date, further providing for criminal penalties and providing for retaliation prohibited, for private right of action and for civil penalties and enforcement orders; and making an editorial change.

PA SB187

Further providing for title and for definitions; and making editorial changes.

PA HB852

Further providing for definitions; and making editorial changes.

PA HB573

In powers and duties in general, further providing for departmental reports; in COVID-19 record retention, further providing for retention of records related to COVID-19; and making an editorial change.

Similar Bills

CA AB1565

Labor-related liabilities: direct contractor.

CA SB597

Labor-related liabilities: direct contractor and subcontractor.

IL HB2816

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CA AB2696

Labor-related liabilities: direct contractor and subcontractor.

UT SB0273

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CA SB727

Labor-related liabilities: direct contractor.

CT HB05270

An Act Prohibiting Bid Shopping.

PA HB274

In public works employment verification, further providing for definitions, for duty of public works contractors and subcontractors, for verification form, for violations, for enforcement and sanctions, for Public Works Employment Verification Account, for protection from retaliation, for good faith immunity and for public works contractor and subcontractor liability; and making an editorial change.