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HB 1308

Relating to employment practices of governmental entities, state contractors, and private employers in this state regarding the legal status of employees, including requiring participation in the federal electronic verification of employment authorization program, or E-verify program, and authorizing the suspension of certain licenses held by private employers for certain conduct in relation to the employment of persons not lawfully present.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Cody Harris and 10 co-sponsors

Texas bill mandates E-Verify use for all employers and authorizes business license suspension for knowingly hiring undocumented workers.

Withdrawn from schedule
#attorneygeneral(v2811) #aliens(i0032) #comptrollerofpublicaccounts(v2608) #contractors&subcontractors(s2563) #electronicinformationsystems(i0311) #labor--general(i0500) #occupationalregulation--healthoccupations(i0540) #occupationalregulation--othertrades&professions(i0541) #purchasing--state(i0643) #stateagencies #boards&commissions(i0749)
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Bill Summary · HB 1308

Legislative bill overview

HB 1308 would mandate that government entities, state contractors, and private employers in Texas use the E-Verify federal program to confirm employees' work authorization. The bill also authorizes suspension of business licenses for private employers who knowingly hire individuals without lawful immigration status.

Why is this important

Employment verification directly affects labor market enforcement and workplace competition. The bill addresses concerns about unauthorized workers while potentially impacting hiring practices across Texas's economy and creating compliance requirements that vary by employer size and type.

Potential points of contention

  • Compliance burden: Small and mid-sized businesses may face costs and administrative complexity implementing E-Verify, potentially creating competitive disadvantages versus larger firms with existing systems
  • False positives and due process: E-Verify has documented error rates that can incorrectly flag authorized workers; the bill's license suspension mechanism raises concerns about adequate appeals processes before penalties
  • Labor market effects: Mandatory verification could reduce available workers in industries reliant on immigrant labor (agriculture, construction, hospitality), potentially raising consumer costs and business operations challenges
  • Federal-state authority: Questions exist about state authority to impose requirements beyond federal E-Verify participation and whether license suspension mechanisms conflict with federal immigration enforcement prerogatives

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

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