In the near future, I intend to introduce legislation (formerly HB 2619) that would require employers in the meatpacking and food preparation industry to use the federal E-Verify system and publish information on child labor laws to ensure that their employees don’t include individuals, including children, not authorized to work in the United States.

Thousands of migrants are entering the country illegally each month, including many unaccompanied minors. Child labor is being used both knowingly and unknowingly in the meatpacking and food processing industry, and often-times these children are being required to clean dangerous equipment. This is evidenced by a 69% increase in child labor violations reported by the US Department of Labor over the past 5 years and reports of unaccompanied minors working around dangerous equipment, including in the meatpacking industry.

This legislation is modeled after Act 75 of 2019 which requires the use of E-Verify for the construction industry and is based on recommendations from the Meat Institute, the largest trade association representing meat processors, which published “best practices” for the industry including workforce age verification and the use of the E-Verify program for new employees, including third-party contractors.

By ensuring that only authorized individuals are employed, we protect vulnerable workers from exploitation and will help maintain the integrity of the industry and protect unaccompanied children and legal workers.