Problematic Employment Bill Advances in Senate

On February 18, the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee passed SB 664 (3-2). The bill was amended to require all public and private employers use various forms of verification to determine work eligibility for all new employees.

While the goal of employment eligibility verification may be meritorious, the FCCB cannot support and must oppose the proposed verification mandate unless enacted as part of federal, comprehensive immigration reform that addresses its current inherent challenges. In a  letter to the bill sponsor, Senator Tom Lee (R-Brandon), Michael Sheedy, FCCB executive director, outlined challenges with the federal E-Verify system and state-mandated use that negatively impact businesses and workers. Additionally, the Catholic Legal Immigration Network (CLINIC) has provided a detailed  analysis of the E-Verify system at the federal and state levels.

SB 664 has a final committee of reference, Senate Rules. Though an E-Verify proposal in the House, HB 1265 (Byrd), has not yet been heard in committee, it is likely to receive consideration before session's end.