Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB85

Voted on by Senate
 
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the verification of employment authorization by state contractors and state grant recipients, including the use of the federal E-verify program, and to authorization for the suspension of certain licenses held by private employers for the knowing employment of persons not lawfully present in this state; authorizing a fee.

Impact

The introduction of SB85 affects the regulatory landscape concerning employer responsibilities in Texas related to employee verification. By stipulating that employers use the E-Verify system or demonstrate employment authorization through specific documentation, the bill increases compliance requirements for contractors and grant recipients. The legislation also allows for the suspension of licenses held by employers found to be knowingly employing individuals without lawful presence, thus creating a potentially significant penalty for non-compliance.

Summary

SB85 mandates the verification of employment authorization by state contractors and recipients of state grants, specifically requiring the use of the federal E-Verify program. This legislation aims to ensure that entities receiving state funds or contracts do not employ individuals who are not lawfully present in the United States. The bill outlines the procedures that state agencies must follow when awarding contracts and grants, underlining that only those contractors who participate in the E-Verify program or perform adequate verification of new employees can be considered for state contracts and funding.

Contention

There are notable points of contention surrounding SB85, primarily related to its implications for business operations and immigration enforcement. Proponents argue that the bill is necessary for safeguarding jobs for legal residents and ensuring that state funds are not used to support illegal employment practices. Critics, however, raise concerns about the potential overreach of state regulations and the burden it places on small businesses, which may find it challenging to navigate the additional verification processes. There are also fears that the emphasis on strict employment verification could lead to discrimination against individuals based on perceived immigration status.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB3846

Relating to requiring state contractors, political subdivisions of this state, and private employers to participate in the federal electronic verification of employment authorization program, or E-verify.

TX SB1621

Relating to requiring state contractors, political subdivisions of this state, and private employers to participate in the federal electronic verification of employment authorization program, or E-verify.

TX SB81

Relating to certain laws that regulate aspects of illegal immigration in this state, including laws pertaining to the DNA records of certain persons subject to an immigration detainer request, the recognition of certain out-of-state driver's licenses, inviting certain federal agencies to participate on the homeland security council, the reporting of certain uncompensated hospital care costs, and certain requirements for participation in the E-verify program; increasing a criminal penalty.

TX HB602

Relating to requiring political subdivisions of this state to participate in the federal electronic verification of employment authorization program, or E-verify.

TX SB356

Relating to a franchise tax credit for a taxable entity that participates in the federal electronic verification of employment authorization program.

TX HB178

Relating to verification of identity and employment authorization in connection with certain contracts for or concerning the conveyance of residential real property and residential leases.

TX HB3030

Relating to required verification of the employment history of certain job applicants.

TX HB2760

Relating to the disclosure of certain gifts, grants, contracts, and financial interests received from a foreign source by certain state agencies, public institutions of higher education, and state contractors, and to the approval and monitoring of employment-related foreign travel and activities by certain public institution of higher education employees; providing civil and administrative penalties.

TX SB2459

Relating to the disclosure of certain gifts, grants, contracts, and financial interests received from a foreign source by certain state agencies, public institutions of higher education, and state contractors, and to the approval and monitoring of employment-related foreign travel and activities by certain public institution of higher education employees; providing civil and administrative penalties.

TX HB7

Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing a Texas Border Force, and to compensate persons affected by those threats; increasing criminal penalties; creating criminal offenses.

Similar Bills

TX HB5061

Relating to prohibiting certain activities by contractors and vendors of state agencies; providing administrative penalties.

TX HB2823

Relating to requiring state contractors and political subdivisions of this state to participate in the federal electronic verification of employment authorization program, or E-verify, and authorizing the suspension of certain licenses held by private employers for the knowing employment of persons not lawfully present in this state; authorizing a fee.

TX SB1928

Relating to requiring state contractors and political subdivisions of this state to participate in the federal electronic verification of employment authorization program, or E-verify, and authorizing the suspension of certain licenses held by private employers for the knowing employment of unauthorized aliens; authorizing a fee.

TX HB1453

Relating to requiring state contractors and political subdivisions of this state to participate in the federal electronic verification of employment authorization program, or E-verify, and authorizing the suspension of certain licenses held by private employers for the knowing employment of persons not lawfully present in this state; authorizing a fee.

TX HB630

Relating to requiring state contractors and governmental entities to participate in the federal electronic verification of work authorization program, or E-Verify, and authorizing the suspension of certain licenses held by private employers for the knowing employment of persons not lawfully present in this state; authorizing a fee.

TX HB2301

Relating to requiring state contractors and governmental entities to participate in the federal electronic verification of work authorization program, or E-Verify, and authorizing the suspension of certain licenses held by private employers for the knowing employment of persons not lawfully present in this state; authorizing a fee.

TX SB1101

Relating to the consolidation of ombudsman programs administered by the Health and Human Services Commission.

TX SB1481

Relating to the regulation of reroofing contractors; providing administrative and civil penalties; authorizing fees; requiring an occupational registration.