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 introduces the Alabama Foreign Worker Transparency Act, which requires labor brokers hiring foreign workers to register with the Department of Workforce and imposes reporting obligations on these brokers and charitable organizations. The bill establishes civil and criminal penalties for non-compliance, allows public benefit departments to require financial sponsor disclosures for lawful aliens, and authorizes the Secretary of State to dissolve entities that violate these provisions. Additionally, it specifies that employers may lose public incentives for hiring unauthorized aliens.

The bill also creates the Foreign Worker Resource Fund, funded by registration and administrative fines, and mandates the verification of lawful presence for aliens applying for public benefits through the SAVE program. It outlines the responsibilities of sponsors of authorized aliens, including potential reimbursement to the state for public benefits received. The bill amends Section 31-13-9 to impose stricter conditions on employers receiving state contracts, requiring them to not knowingly employ unauthorized aliens and to enroll in the E-Verify program. It establishes penalties for violations, including business license suspensions and contract terminations for repeat offenders. Overall, the bill aims to enhance oversight and accountability in the employment of foreign workers while streamlining existing legal language and processes.

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