House Committee Begins Hearings on Bill to Ensure a Legal Workforce in Ohio

COLUMBUS – The House Commerce and Labor Committee Wednesday began hearings on House Bill 246, commonsense legislation that uplifts the Ohio worker by requiring employers to use the E-Verify program to verify the employment eligibility of new hires, announced bill sponsor, State Rep. D.J. Swearingen (R-Huron). Swearingen is sponsoring the bill alongside State Rep. Tex Fischer (R-Boardman).

The E-Verify program, a free internet-based program, will allow employers to ensure newly hired employees are legally eligible for employment in the United States. The program streamlines verification of new employees’ work permits, visas, and citizenship within 3-5 seconds.

“This legislation protects employers by equipping them with the tools they need to ensure they are following the law in their employment practices,” said Swearingen. “Our state is home to thousands of skilled and talented Ohioans that are ready to get to work and this bill will provide them that opportunity.”

This legislation will impact the following employers:

• Contractors and subcontractors engaged in state or local public works construction; and
• Non-residential construction contractors and subcontractors.

The bill excludes single, double, or triple-family residential construction and construction for agricultural purposes as defined in Chapter 3781 of the Ohio Revised Code.

House Bill 246 awaits further consideration from the House Commerce and Labor Committee.