E-Verify requirement for all companies: Jacques' law is making waves!

E-Verify requirement for all companies: Jacques' law is making waves!

In Florida, a new law requiring all employers to use the E-Verify system is sparking heated debate. The bill, known as HB 197, was initiated by Seminole Republican Berny Jacques and recently cleared the first hurdle in the House of Representatives. Currently, only public employers and private companies with more than 25 employees are required to use E-Verify, but this new regulation is intended to lower the 25 employee threshold. Loud Florida Politics The bill received bipartisan support, but only Republicans on the committee voted for it.

The bill follows a previous law that went into effect in 2023 under then-Governor Ron DeSantis and now affects all private providers, regardless of their number of employees. Jacques hopes he will be more successful with HB 197 after his first expansion initiative failed to pass last year. A central concern of the law is the fight against illegal immigration, which is in the context of President Donald Trump's political line. The law could come into force from July 1, 2026 and requires strict compliance, otherwise companies face hefty fines of $1,000 per day for repeat violations, explained The Bradenton Times.

Corporate pressures and political reactions

The draft laws have already caused a stir in the political scene in their home country. Smaller companies in particular with fewer than 20 employees account for a large proportion of jobs in Florida - almost 476,000 companies are affected. Critics, including representatives of the Democratic caucus, point to the potential overburdening of small businesses. Rep. Angie Nixon complains that many employers already have to fill out I-9 forms and additional requirements only add another burden.

However, Democratic representatives like Yvette Bennaroch, who voted for the bill, emphasize the effectiveness of E-Verify, as over 98% of requests are processed immediately. However, her colleague Bruce Antone warns of the possible negative impact on the labor market in industries that rely on flexible workers, such as agriculture or hospitality. Loud Forbes The law is viewed by many as a potential model for future federal laws under a potentially re-elected Trump administration.

The path to farewell

Before HB 197 comes to the full House for a vote, it must clear the next hurdle in the Commerce Committee. At the same time, another bill, SB 328, which deals with the integration of immigrants, did not receive the necessary support and is likely to fail.

The political debate over E-Verify and its impact on Florida's economy and job market will be keenly watched as immigration continues to be a hotly contested issue and a strong influence on the Republican Party's agenda.