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HB 610

An Act amending the act of April 9, 1929 (P.L.177, No.175), known as The Administrative Code of 1929, in public works employment verification, further providing for definitions, for duty of public works contractors and subcontractors, for verification form, for violations, for enforcement and sanctions, for Public Works Employment Verification Account, for protection from retaliation, for good faith immunity and for public works contractor and subcontractor liability; and making an editorial change.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Aaron Bernstine and 3 co-sponsors

HB 610 strengthens Pennsylvania public works employment verification requirements, establishing enforcement mechanisms and a dedicated account to ensure contractor compliance with worker eligibility standards.

Referred to Labor & Industry
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 610

Legislative bill overview

HB 610 amends Pennsylvania's 1929 Administrative Code to strengthen public works employment verification requirements. The bill modifies how contractors and subcontractors must verify worker eligibility, establishes enforcement mechanisms, and creates a Public Works Employment Verification Account while providing liability protections and retaliation safeguards.

Why is this important

Public works projects represent significant state spending and worker employment. These verification requirements directly affect labor market compliance, worker protections, and fair competition among contractors. The amendments address how Pennsylvania ensures only eligible workers are employed on publicly-funded construction and infrastructure projects.

Potential points of contention

  • E-Verify mandate scope: Whether the bill requires mandatory E-Verify participation (a federal work authorization system) for all public works, which could increase contractor compliance costs and administrative burden
  • Liability and immunity balance: Questions about who bears liability when verification fails and whether good faith immunity provisions adequately protect contractors versus penalizing negligence
  • Definitions and enforcement clarity: Ambiguity around what constitutes sufficient "verification," what violations trigger sanctions, and whether enforcement penalties are proportionate to violations
  • Account funding mechanism: Uncertainty about how the Public Works Employment Verification Account will be funded and whether costs ultimately pass to workers or taxpayers through project pricing

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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