The proposed bill, titled the "Public Contract and Employment Eligibility Verification Act," mandates that public employers and contractors verify the legal work eligibility of their employees through the E-Verify system. Public employers are required to register and participate in this system to confirm the documentation of all new hires. Additionally, contractors and subcontractors must also register and participate in E-Verify before entering into contracts with public employers. The bill outlines the definitions of key terms such as "employer," "public employer," and "subcontractor," and specifies the use of Form I-9 or affidavits to verify lawful presence in the United States.
The legislation establishes penalties for violations, including civil fines for individuals who make false statements in the verification process and a one-year prohibition on contracting with public bodies for employers found in violation of the verification requirements. Public employers are also required to terminate contracts with subcontractors who employ unauthorized aliens. The Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity is tasked with promulgating rules to implement the act, which will take effect 90 days after being enacted into law.