Texas

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

Enacted Legislation

HB 1196: Final version requires public agencies, state or local taxing jurisdictions, and economic development corporations to require any application for a public business subsidy to include a written statement certifying that the applicant does not and will not knowingly employ unauthorized foreign workers. The certifying statement must apply to the business applying for the subsidy, as well as all its branches, divisions, and departments. In this context, state law broadly defines public subsidy to include: grants, loans, loan guarantees, benefits relating to an enterprise or empowerment zone, fee waivers, land price subsidies, infrastructure development and improvements designed to principally benefit a single business or defined group of businesses, matching funds, tax refunds, tax rebates, and tax abatements.

To view the final version of this bill, click here.