Ohio House Passes Bill to Ensure a Legal Workforce in Ohio

COLUMBUS – The Ohio House of Representatives yesterday passed House Bill 327, 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). 

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 gives employers the tools they need to ensure they are following the law in their employment practices,” said Swearingen. “Our goal is to employ a legal workforce in Ohio and provide employment opportunities to the thousands of skilled and talented Ohioans that are ready to get to work.”

This legislation will impact the following employers:

• Contractors engaged in state or local public works construction;
• Non-residential construction contractors; and
• Any employer that has 75 or more employees within the state.

House Bill 327 now heads to the Ohio Senate for consideration.