Texas House Bill HB416

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Filed: 12/15/08

Caption

Relating to a requirement that a recipient of money from the Texas Enterprise Fund participate in a federal work eligibility verification program.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would significantly impact how state grant agreements are structured and enforced. All entities that wish to obtain funds from the Texas Enterprise Fund would need to comply with E-Verify regulations, effectively standardizing the hiring verification process across organizations receiving state support. This could foster a more consistent adherence to immigration policies within the state, as well as potentially reducing the risk of hiring undocumented workers in publicly funded roles, which could be seen as a fiscal responsibility on the part of the state government.

Summary

House Bill 416 establishes a requirement for recipients of funding from the Texas Enterprise Fund to participate in a federal work eligibility verification program, specifically the E-Verify program. The bill mandates that any entity receiving grants must provide documentation confirming their compliance with the E-Verify program, which verifies the employment eligibility of new employees in the state. This measure aims to ensure that entities utilizing state resources are adhering to federal employment regulations, thereby reinforcing lawful hiring practices in Texas.

Contention

The implementation of HB 416 may elicit debates concerning its implications for businesses, especially smaller entities that might find the E-Verify program burdensome or administratively challenging. Critics might argue that mandating participation in E-Verify could deter some businesses from seeking state grants, potentially limiting economic growth opportunities in Texas. Additionally, discussions around the bill could touch on broader issues regarding immigration policy and workforce rights, reflecting diverse opinions on the balance between enforcement and access to job opportunities for all.

Notable_points

One of the pivotal points of contention surrounding HB 416 is the implications it carries for local employers regarding labor availability and workforce diversity. Supporters of the bill could argue that reinforcing employment eligibility checks protects the job market, while opponents might raise concerns about discriminatory practices or the potential for E-Verify's inaccuracies leading to wrongful disqualifications of eligible workers.