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

State Representative Kevin Ritter (R-Marietta) voted this week 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.

“I am pleased to support legislation that will help protect our great American workers, the best in the world,” said Ritter.

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.