Texas House Bill HB658

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to requiring governmental entities to participate in the federal electronic verification of work authorization program.

Impact

The implementation of HB 658 could significantly impact the hiring processes of state and local government entities. By requiring participation in the E-Verify system, the bill aims to eliminate any potential hiring of unauthorized workers within governmental ranks. Additionally, this could set a precedent for increased scrutiny on employment practices not only in governmental sectors but could potentially inspire similar standards in the private sector, as state agencies might lead by example.

Summary

House Bill 658 mandates that all governmental entities within Texas must participate in the federal electronic verification of work authorization program, commonly referred to as E-Verify. This program is administered by the United States Department of Homeland Security and is designed to allow employers to verify the employment eligibility of their employees. The bill's primary intent is to ensure that all governmental bodies are compliant with federal standards regarding employee verification, thus aiming to improve oversight and regulation concerning the employment of non-citizens.

Contention

Notably, there are some concerns and points of contention regarding HB 658. Critics may argue that mandated participation in E-Verify could increase bureaucracy and complicate the hiring processes for government employees. There are also concerns related to privacy and the implications of misidentification through the E-Verify system, which could affect eligible candidates adversely. Additionally, some advocacy groups may view the bill as a step towards stricter immigration enforcement, potentially leading to a chilling effect on the hiring of immigrant employees.