SCHWERTNER FILES BILL TO REQUIRE STATE CONTRACTORS TO USE E-VERIFY

  

State Senator Charles Schwertner, whose district includes part of the Brazos Valley, wants to make sure state contractors use the E-Verify system when hiring workers.

Schwertner filed Senate Bill 23 on Monday, which would create a law based on the executive order issued by former Governor Perry that requires state contractors and subcontractors to use E-Verify.

According to the Legislative Budget Board, there are currently more than 30,000 active government contracts between the State of Texas and private businesses, collectively valued at more than $91 billion.

The proposal builds upon legislation passed by Senator Schwertner during the 84th Legislative Session, which required all state agencies and institutions of higher education to check their employees through the federal E-Verify system.

SB 23 also includes key protections for businesses that act in good faith to comply with the law, ensuring that they are not unfairly penalized for fraudulent documentation or errors stemming from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ E-Verify system. A nearly identical bill filed by Schwertner last session (SB 401) earned the endorsement of the state’s largest business and commerce group, the Texas Association of Business (TAB).

So far, the proposal has received a strong showing of support in the Texas Senate, with 14 State Senators agreeing to joint author Senate Bill 23, including Senator Lois W. Kolkhorst.