Texas Senate Bill SB484

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to restrictions in connection with public subsidies and contracts awarded to businesses that employ undocumented workers.

Impact

The implications of SB484 primarily affect how public subsidies are distributed by state and local agencies. By incorporating the requirement for the E-verify program, the legislation aims to deter businesses from hiring undocumented workers through the financial leverage of public funds. The provisions stipulated mean businesses are incentivized to ensure compliance with federal employment laws, thus potentially reducing instances of undocumented employment. This change is expected to impact various industries reliant on public contracts, notably those in construction, service, and agriculture where the employment of such workers is more common.

Summary

Senate Bill 484 aims to enforce stricter regulations regarding public subsidies and contracts awarded to businesses that employ undocumented workers. The bill seeks to amend existing provisions in the Government Code to explicitly include conditions related to the employment verification of workers. It mandates the use of the E-verify program, a federal system that allows businesses to verify the employment authorization of their hired employees. Should a business be found guilty of employing undocumented workers after receiving public support, they would be required to repay this financial aid, including tax refunds and rebates, with applicable interest.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB484 involve the balance of government oversight and the economic reality faced by many businesses. Proponents argue that the bill is critical in enforcing lawful employment practices while protecting taxpayer dollars from being misallocated to non-compliant businesses. Conversely, critics express concerns regarding the bill's potential negative impact on companies that may inadvertently employ undocumented workers, which could lead to increased financial strain due to repayment penalties. Moreover, there are fears that this legislation could lead to decreased incentives for businesses to engage with public contracts altogether, particularly in industries that traditionally employ migrant labor.