SB 285 Summary

• Prohibits employers from knowingly employing unauthorized aliens for employees hired after September 30, 2016, with exemptions for public utilities, hospitals, nonprofit corporations, and certain emergency services providers.

• Authorizes the Attorney General to investigate complaints of unauthorized alien employment, verify work authorization with federal government, and notify ICE, local law enforcement, and county prosecutors upon finding a violation.

• Establishes civil liability with escalating penalties: first violation requires termination of unauthorized workers and 3-year probation with quarterly hiring reports; second violation increases probation to 10 years; third violation allows permanent license revocation.

• Provides employers using the E-Verify program immunity from prosecution and establishes a rebuttable presumption that good faith compliance with federal employment verification requirements means no knowing violation occurred.

• Makes filing false or frivolous complaints a Class B misdemeanor and prohibits employer retaliation against employees who file complaints or participate in proceedings under this chapter.