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

State Representative Brian Stewart (R-Ashville) last 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.

“This is a commonsense way to protect our most crucial jobs and to encourage these industries to reward hardworking people of Ohio,” says Representative Stewart. “This legislation works to oppose the years of unchecked illegal immigration into the United States and to further support President Trump’s push for job security for United States citizens.”

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 passed the House with unanimous support and now advances to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.