HB 691 - Verification of Employment Eligibility

• Every private employer must use the E-Verify system to verify employment eligibility of new employees starting January 1, 2012, with businesses losing their operating license until they register with E-Verify.

• Employers are prohibited from knowingly employing unauthorized aliens; violations result in orders to terminate unauthorized workers and file affidavits, with license suspension for non-compliance or subsequent violations within 2 years.

• Any person with knowledge of unauthorized alien employment may file complaints with the Department of Business and Professional Regulation or Agency for Workforce Innovation; filing false and frivolous complaints is a second-degree misdemeanor.

• Employers face civil liability for discharging U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents while employing unauthorized aliens in the same position or location; discharged employees are entitled to reinstatement, back pay, and attorney's fees.

• Public employers must register with E-Verify and contractors performing services for public entities must comply with E-Verify requirements; violations allow immediate contract termination without breach of contract.