Vacationland Times

The Ohio House Commerce and Labor Committee has commenced hearings on House Bill 246. The bill, sponsored by State Representatives D.J. Swearingen (R-Huron) and Tex Fischer (R-Boardman), seeks to mandate the use of the E-Verify program by employers in Ohio to verify the employment eligibility of new hires.

E-Verify is a free internet-based system that allows employers to confirm whether newly hired employees are legally eligible to work in the United States. The program provides verification results for work permits, visas, and citizenship status within three to five seconds.

State Rep. D.J. Swearingen emphasized the importance of this legislation for employers, stating, "This legislation protects employers by equipping them with the tools they need to ensure they are following the law in their employment practices." He also highlighted how it would benefit Ohio's workforce: "Our state is home to thousands of skilled and talented Ohioans that are ready to get to work and this bill will provide them that opportunity."

The proposed legislation targets contractors and subcontractors involved in state or local public works construction as well as non-residential construction contractors and subcontractors. However, it excludes residential construction projects involving single, double, or triple-family homes and agricultural construction as defined in Chapter 3781 of the Ohio Revised Code.

House Bill 246 is now awaiting further review from the House Commerce and Labor Committee.