Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB2744

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to requiring state contractors, political subdivisions of this state, and private employers to participate in the federal electronic verification of employment authorization program, or E-verify; creating civil penalties.

Impact

The implementation of HB 2744 would significantly affect existing state employment regulations by requiring that all contractors and other related employers engage with the E-Verify system. This means that state agencies will not award contracts to those who do not participate in the program. Furthermore, the civil penalties stipulated in the bill serve as deterrents against non-compliance. Specifically, penalties of $10,000 would be levied on employers for knowingly hiring individuals deemed not lawfully present, reinforcing the law's strict enforcement mechanism.

Summary

House Bill 2744 aims to mandate participation in the federal electronic verification program (E-Verify) for state contractors, private employers, and political subdivisions within Texas. The bill is structured to enforce compliance with E-Verify regulations by means of civil penalties, thereby creating a rigorous verification system to assess the employment eligibility of individuals. This move is intended to enhance accountability and streamline the hiring processes for employers by ensuring they do not inadvertently employ individuals who are not lawfully present in the U.S.

Contention

While proponents argue that HB 2744 strengthens the integrity of the labor market and protects jobs for legal workers, critics raise concerns over its potential to create unnecessary burdens for employers, particularly small businesses that may find compliance with E-Verify cumbersome or fiscally challenging. Additionally, questions arise regarding the effectiveness of E-Verify in preventing the hiring of unauthorized workers, with some suggesting that it may not fully address the complexities of immigration status verification. These points of debate indicate a divisive sentiment among stakeholders regarding the balance between regulatory enforcement and economic viability.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX SB324

Relating to requiring state contractors, political subdivisions of this state, and private employers to participate in the federal electronic verification of employment authorization program, or E-verify.

TX HB3210

Relating to requiring state contractors, political subdivisions of this state, and private employers to participate in the federal electronic verification of employment authorization program, or E-verify.

TX HB1488

Relating to employment practices of governmental entities, state contractors, and private employers in this state regarding the legal status of employees, including requiring participation in the federal electronic verification of employment authorization program, or E-verify program, and authorizing the suspension of certain licenses held by private employers for certain conduct in relation to the employment of persons not lawfully present; providing an administrative penalty.

TX HB1308

Relating to employment practices of governmental entities, state contractors, and private employers in this state regarding the legal status of employees, including requiring participation in the federal electronic verification of employment authorization program, or E-verify program, and authorizing the suspension of certain licenses held by private employers for certain conduct in relation to the employment of persons not lawfully present.

TX HB323

Relating to requiring political subdivisions of this state to participate in the federal electronic verification of employment authorization program, or E-verify.

TX HB1019

Relating to requiring political subdivisions of this state to participate in the federal electronic verification of employment authorization program, or E-verify.

TX HB3681

Relating to requiring certain public and private employers in this state to participate in the federal electronic verification of employment authorization program, or E-verify, and notice regarding certain persons whose eligibility to work in the United States cannot be verified; creating a criminal offense.

TX SB2650

Relating to certain requirements for participation in the E-verify program; authorizing penalties.

TX SB1477

Relating to a franchise tax credit for a taxable entity that participates in the federal electronic verification of employment authorization program.

TX A03584

Prohibits employers from using the federal electronic employment verification system to check the employment authorization status of an existing employee or an applicant who has not been offered employment and prohibits municipalities from requiring employers to use the federal electronic employment verification system.

Similar Bills

NJ S2932

Requires State agencies to make good faith effort towards certain goals to use certified minority and women-owned businesses as prime contractors and subcontractors.

TX SB324

Relating to requiring state contractors, political subdivisions of this state, and private employers to participate in the federal electronic verification of employment authorization program, or E-verify.

TX HB3210

Relating to requiring state contractors, political subdivisions of this state, and private employers to participate in the federal electronic verification of employment authorization program, or E-verify.

DC B26-0629

Contract No. CW127336 with Compost Crew, Inc. Approval and Payment Authorization Emergency Act of 2026

DE HB89

An Act To Amend Titles 19 And 29 Relating To Home Improvement Dispute Resolution.

LA HB764

Establishes the La. State Contract Minority Business Opportunity Act to increase minority-owned and disadvantaged business participation in state contracting (OR INCREASE GF EX See Note)

CA SB247

State agency contracts: bid preference: equity metrics.

CA AB1786

Public contracts: best value construction contracting for counties, cities, and the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments.