Majority Whip Santucci votes in Support of the E-Verify Workforce Integrity Act

COLUMBUS – Majority Whip Nick Santucci (R-Niles) today 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.

“Ensuring a legal and reliable workforce is essential for the safety, integrity, and long-term strength of Ohio’s construction industry,” said Santucci. “House Bill 246 reinforces the value of fair competition by holding contractors accountable and protecting jobs for law-abiding Ohio workers. This is a commonsense step toward building a stronger, more secure economy.”

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.