The bill aims to amend West Virginia's Code regarding the penalties for employers who knowingly hire illegal aliens. It proposes to increase fines for various offenses related to the employment of unauthorized workers. Specifically, the fine for failing to maintain required employment records will rise from $100 to $200. For employers who violate the provisions by employing unauthorized workers, the fines will increase significantly: from $100 to $1,000 for a first offense, from $500 to $5,000 for a second offense, and from $1,000 to $10,000 for a third or subsequent offense, with the possibility of jail time added for repeat offenders.

Additionally, the bill introduces penalties for employers who provide false records regarding an employee's legal status, with fines set between $1,000 and $5,000 and a potential jail term of 30 days to one year. It also addresses fraudulent actions by employers who attempt to evade record-keeping requirements by selling or transferring their assets, imposing similar jail time and fines ranging from $20,000. Overall, the bill seeks to enforce stricter penalties to deter the hiring of illegal aliens and ensure compliance with employment verification laws.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 21-1B-5