84R10242 JSC-D
By: Cook H.B. No. 3735
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to cooperation with federal agencies on a guest worker
program in this state.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. This Act shall be known as the "Texas Needs
Workers Act."
SECTION 2. Chapter 751, Government Code, is amended by
adding Subchapter C to read as follows:
SUBCHAPTER C. COOPERATION WITH FEDERAL GOVERNMENT FOR GUEST WORKER
PROGRAM
Sec. 751.051. GUEST WORKER PROGRAM. (a) The office, in
consultation with the Texas Workforce Commission and with the
assistance of the attorney general, shall seek to enter into a
memorandum of understanding or other agreement with the appropriate
federal agency to authorize or grant a waiver for a guest worker
program to be implemented in order to bring skilled and unskilled
workers into this state during periods of time when no Texan workers
are available to fill open employment positions. The proposed
program would:
(1) be self-funding through individual and employer
participation;
(2) require applicants to:
(A) pass a criminal background check;
(B) register with the appropriate state and
federal agencies certifying the applicant's immigration status;
and
(C) submit proof of health insurance coverage
provided by the applicant's employer or purchased by the applicant;
(3) limit participation to employers that deduct and
match payroll taxes; and
(4) provide for a tamper-proof identification card for
program participants that would assist in monitoring any criminal
and civil court appearances.
(b) The identification card required by Subsection (a)(4)
must include the applicant's personal information, photograph,
fingerprint, and visa number and have an expiration date.
(c) Any guest worker program implemented by this state must
comply with any applicable federal guidelines by having a federal
waiver or other authorization for the program.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2015.