TX
Texas Senate Bill SB1928

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1928

Caption

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.

Impact

The implementation of SB1928 modifies existing laws regarding employment verification and state contracting processes. By requiring stringent employee verification through E-Verify, the bill creates mechanisms for the suspension of business licenses for companies that knowingly employ unauthorized aliens. This measure aims to enforce accountability among employers and is perceived as a step towards stricter border security efforts. Political subdivisions will also have to comply with these regulations, which may alter the hiring practices within local governments and agencies.

Summary

Senate Bill 1928 establishes new requirements for state contractors and political subdivisions to utilize the federal E-Verify system for verifying the employment eligibility of new hires. This legislative change intends to ensure that only authorized individuals are employed by state contractors, thereby aiming to diminish the likelihood of unauthorized employment, particularly concerning non-citizen workers. The bill mandates that all contractors and subcontractors must participate in the E-Verify program, which involves registering and maintaining compliance throughout the duration of state contracts.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB1928 include concerns from advocacy groups regarding the potential ramifications for both employers and job seekers. Critics argue that such a stringent regulation could hinder job opportunities for individuals who may face challenges in securing necessary documentation, thus impacting labor markets in specific sectors. Additionally, the enforcement measures that involve license suspensions could disproportionately affect small businesses, leading to calls for more balanced approaches that consider the economic implications of rigorous employment verification practices. Proponents, however, view the bill as a crucial step in ensuring a lawful workforce and preserving jobs for authorized workers.

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 HB602

Relating to requiring political subdivisions of this state 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 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 SB229

Relating to employment verification of certain health facility 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.

Similar Bills

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 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 SB85

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.

TX HB1488

Relating to employment practices of governmental entities, state contractors, and private employers in this state regarding the legal status of employees, including requiring participation in the federal electronic verification of employment authorization program, or E-verify program, and authorizing the suspension of certain licenses held by private employers for certain conduct in relation to the employment of persons not lawfully present; providing an administrative penalty.

DE HB89

An Act To Amend Titles 19 And 29 Relating To Home Improvement Dispute Resolution.

TX HB2744

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; creating civil penalties.