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HB 2744

Relating to requiring state contractors, political subdivisions of this state, and private employers to participate in the federal electronic verification of employment authorization program, or E-verify; creating civil penalties.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Lacey Hull and 3 co-sponsors

Texas bill mandates E-Verify participation for state contractors, local governments, and private employers with civil penalties for non-compliance, expanding workplace immigration enforcement.

Referred to State Affairs
#aliens(i0032) #competitivebidding(s0267) #comptrollerofpublicaccounts(v2608) #contractors&subcontractors(s2563) #citygovernment--employees/officers(i0061) #civilremedies&liabilities(i0065) #countygovernment--employees/officers(i0095) #labor--general(i0500) #politicalsubdivisions(i0588) #stateemployees(i0626)
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Bill Summary · HB 2744

Legislative bill overview

HB 2744 would mandate that state contractors, political subdivisions (like cities and counties), and private employers in Texas participate in E-Verify, the federal electronic employment authorization system. The bill creates civil penalties for non-compliance with this requirement.

Why is this important

E-Verify is a voluntary federal system that checks whether employees are authorized to work in the U.S. Mandating its use would significantly expand workplace immigration enforcement in Texas and could affect hiring practices across the state. This represents a shift from the current voluntary system to a legally required one, with financial consequences for non-compliance.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation burden: Smaller employers and local governments may face administrative costs and complexity in implementing E-Verify systems, particularly those unfamiliar with federal employment verification requirements
  • False positives and due process: E-Verify has documented error rates that can temporarily block eligible workers from employment; the bill's penalty structure doesn't address how workers disputed as ineligible will be protected
  • Economic and labor market effects: Mandatory verification could reduce available labor for industries reliant on immigrant workers (construction, agriculture, hospitality), potentially increasing costs for businesses and government services
  • Private employer scope: Extending the mandate to all private employers (not just government contractors) represents broader regulatory reach into private business operations than many similar state programs

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

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