Texas House Bill HB315

Texas 2017 - 85th 1st C.S.

Caption

Relating to a prohibition against the knowing employment of persons not lawfully present in the United States and the suspension of licenses held by certain employers for the knowing employment of those persons; authorizing a fee.

Impact

The implications of HB 315 are significant; it mandates that all employers must verify the employment eligibility of their employees to avoid penalties, specifically the suspension of licenses. Employers who violate the law could face immediate suspension of licenses across all businesses they operate, impacting their ability to function legally in the state. This strict approach aims to deter the hiring of undocumented workers and enhance workforce compliance.

Summary

House Bill 315 establishes a framework to prohibit employers from knowingly employing individuals not lawfully present in the United States. This legislation, added as Chapter 53 to Subtitle B of Title 2 of the Labor Code, outlines the definitions pertaining to employees, employers, and lawful residency verification information. The Texas Workforce Commission is designated as the overseeing authority, empowered to enforce compliance and administer related rules.

Contention

Debates surrounding the bill highlight concerns from various stakeholders. Supporters argue that it promotes fairness in the labor market and protects jobs for lawful workers, while critics raise concerns about the potential for discrimination and the harsh consequences employers could face, potentially disrupting their business operations. Additionally, the criteria set for lawful resident verification could create administrative challenges for businesses, particularly small enterprises that may lack the resources to navigate these requirements effectively.