The Ohio House of Representatives recently passed House Bill 327 (HB 327), which would mandate employers to use the E-Verify platform. In an overwhelming 85 to 6 vote, the measure passed the House. According to the House of Representatives, this bill would uplift Ohio workers through the E-Verify mandate.

E-Verify is a government-run web-based system that verifies employees’ eligibility to work in the United States. This program compares information from the employee’s employment eligibility verification (Form I-9) to U.S. government records. The Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration jointly operate this system to ensure accuracy and efficiency in determining work authorization.

Through the government’s efforts, employers can streamline verification for new employees. E-Verify allows them to verify employees’ work permits, visas, and citizenship swiftly. In most cases, the E-Verify system will respond within seconds of a submission. Should errors occur, it will swiftly inform the involved parties to address fields that need more information. With the recent release of E-Verify+’s trial program, this process could prove faster due to the employee’s direct involvement in fixing errors.

Rep. D.J. Swearingen, who sponsored HB 327, explained, “This legislation gives employers the tools they need to ensure they are following the law in their employment practices. Our goal is to employ a legal workforce in Ohio and provide employment opportunities to the thousands of skilled and talented Ohioans who are ready to get to work.”

Another representative, Rep. Scott Wiggam, stressed how this is one step in ensuring the state addresses illegal immigration. In the committee hearing, he added, “We don’t have a whole lot of abilities, but we have this, and if we don’t take advantage of this then we are deciding as a state to do nothing.”

HB 327 would require the following employers to use the E-Verify system:

• Any “public contractor,” including an “individual or entity which directs, supervises, or has responsibility for the means, method, and manner of implementing a contract for the construction or maintenance of a public improvement;”
• All nonresidential construction contractors; and
• Any employers with 75 or more employees within the state of Ohio

Despite passing through the House of Representatives, there is no guarantee that HB 327 will become law. It will soon head to the Ohio Senate for review.

Complying with I-9 laws has proven challenging for more employers due to the ever-shifting regulations. One way to ensure compliance is by incorporating an electronic I-9 management system in their hiring process. This system offers guidance throughout the process, including secure digital storage, an optional E-Verify integration, and notifications of when to take further action.

When it comes to your work, automation makes eligibility verification quick and seamless. Get a head start today with I-9 Compliance.

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