PA HB1781

Requires all recipients of Pennsylvania state grants, along with their contractors and subcontractors, to participate in the federal E-Verify Program (EVP) and use it to verify employment eligibility of all new employees

Establishes a tiered penalty system for E-Verify violations: first offense receives a warning letter; second offense results in 60-day debarment from state grants; third offense brings 1-2 year debarment; willful violations carry 3-year debarment ordered by Commonwealth Court

Imposes civil penalties of $2,500 to $25,000 for submitting false or misleading information on required verification forms, with willful violations subject to additional debarment of 60 days to 3 years

Creates the Commonwealth Grantee Employment Verification Account in the General Fund to collect penalties and fund enforcement activities, including complaint-based and random audits by grantor agencies

Prohibits retaliation against employees who report violations, allowing affected workers to sue for reinstatement, triple damages on lost wages and benefits, and attorney fees within 180 days of the retaliation