Rep. Williams Votes in Support of the E-Verify Workforce Integrity Act

COLUMBUS – State Representative Josh Williams (R-Sylvania Twp.) Wednesday voted in support of the E-Verify Workforce Integrity Act, or H.B. 246, legislation to ensure all workers hired in Ohio for covered construction projects are legally authorized to work in the United States.

“HB 246 is another example of the legislature putting Ohio first,” said Williams. “By ensuring that Ohio jobs are filled by Ohio workers, we can continue our efforts to rebuild the middle class that was destroyed under the Biden administration.”

Under the legislation, all contractors, subcontractors, and labor brokers working on public works projects for state agencies and political subdivisions must use the federal E-Verify program to confirm employee eligibility. This requirement also applies to private-sector contractors in nonresidential construction.

The bill also empowers the Attorney General to investigate suspected violations, issue notices of violation, and pursue enforcement through the courts if necessary. 

Penalties include fines, disqualification from state contracts for up to two years, and license suspension or revocation, especially when unauthorized workers are knowingly employed. 

House Bill 246 now advances to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.