Louisiana

States are increasingly considering laws establishing employment eligibility verification requirements. In Louisiana, one such bill has been enacted. Though the demand for quick action that compels Louisiana lawmakers and their colleagues across the nation is understandable, creating a patchwork of uncoordinated verification systems undermines efficacy of existing and potential federal approaches.

Enacted Legislation

Act 636: Final version (June 23, 2006) permits any state agency or department to investigate an employer's hiring policies if the employment of unauthorized immigrants is suspected. This bill also provides that the state attorney general (AG) or local district attorney (DA) may issue a cease and desist order after discovering an employer has hired undocumented workers. Penalties for violating the cease and desist order can range up to $10,000, unless the employer shows good cause to the satisfaction of the issuer that the determination was issued in error.  Once an employer is found by the court to have violated a cease and desist order, the AG or DA may file a complaint with the appropriate licensing board or boards to have the employer’s business license suspended or revoked.  This bill does not apply to businesses that employ less than 10 people.

To view final version of this bill, click here.