TX
Texas House Bill HB2744

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB2744

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

Caption

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.

Impact

The implementation of HB 2744 would significantly affect existing state employment regulations by requiring that all contractors and other related employers engage with the E-Verify system. This means that state agencies will not award contracts to those who do not participate in the program. Furthermore, the civil penalties stipulated in the bill serve as deterrents against non-compliance. Specifically, penalties of $10,000 would be levied on employers for knowingly hiring individuals deemed not lawfully present, reinforcing the law's strict enforcement mechanism.

Summary

House Bill 2744 aims to mandate participation in the federal electronic verification program (E-Verify) for state contractors, private employers, and political subdivisions within Texas. The bill is structured to enforce compliance with E-Verify regulations by means of civil penalties, thereby creating a rigorous verification system to assess the employment eligibility of individuals. This move is intended to enhance accountability and streamline the hiring processes for employers by ensuring they do not inadvertently employ individuals who are not lawfully present in the U.S.

Contention

While proponents argue that HB 2744 strengthens the integrity of the labor market and protects jobs for legal workers, critics raise concerns over its potential to create unnecessary burdens for employers, particularly small businesses that may find compliance with E-Verify cumbersome or fiscally challenging. Additionally, questions arise regarding the effectiveness of E-Verify in preventing the hiring of unauthorized workers, with some suggesting that it may not fully address the complexities of immigration status verification. These points of debate indicate a divisive sentiment among stakeholders regarding the balance between regulatory enforcement and economic viability.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Government Code

  • Chapter 2264. Restrictions On Use Of Certain Public Subsidies
    • Section: New Section

Latest HB2744 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

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