HF259

The bill introduced in the Minnesota House of Representatives, authored by Schultz, proposes a new law that prohibits employers in Minnesota from hiring individuals who are not legally authorized to work in the United States. The terms used in the bill are specifically defined, including who qualifies as an employer and an employee.

Key points of the bill include: 1. Prohibition: It is illegal for any employer to knowingly hire unauthorized individuals. 2. Investigations: The Commissioner of Labor and Industry is responsible for investigating suspected violations, based either on specific reports or other credible information. 3. Enforcement and Penalties: If a violation is found, the employer must fire all unauthorized employees and may face a suspension of business licenses for up to 14 business days. Additionally, financial penalties ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 per violation can be imposed. 4. Employment Verification: Employers who use the E-Verify program to check the legal work status of their employees will be presumed to have not knowingly hired unauthorized individuals, though this presumption can be challenged.

This bill aims to strengthen the enforcement of employment laws concerning unauthorized workers and to ensure that all employers adhere to legal hiring practices.