The bill HB302 Engrossed amends Section 25-11-5 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to enhance employer reporting requirements for new hires by mandating the inclusion of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) number alongside the Social Security number. It also introduces the Alabama Foreign Worker Transparency Act, which requires labor brokers hiring foreign workers to register with the Department of Workforce and comply with various reporting obligations. The Secretary of Workforce is granted authority to investigate violations and enforce penalties, including civil and criminal consequences for non-compliance. Additionally, the bill allows state departments administering public benefits to require disclosure of financial sponsors for lawful aliens, establishing a reimbursement obligation for sponsors if the alien receives public benefits.

Furthermore, the bill establishes the Foreign Worker Resource Fund, funded by registration and administrative fines, to support the enforcement of these regulations. It mandates the use of the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program for verifying the lawful presence of aliens applying for public benefits. The bill also imposes stricter conditions on business entities receiving state contracts, requiring them to enroll in the E-Verify program and clarifying liability provisions. Notably, the language regarding contractor liability has shifted from "knew or should have known" to "actual knowledge." The bill outlines penalties for violations, including business license suspensions and contract terminations, and is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 25-11-5
Engrossed: 25-11-5