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June 12, 2008

Bill requiring private employers to use E-Verify on hold

PROVIDENCE -- A bill that would require all private employers to use a federal electronic employment verification pilot program has been held for further study to resolve potential constitutional issues. But with the General Assembly session predicted to end next week, the clock is running out.

State Sen. Marc A. Cote, chief sponsor of the E-Verify bill, said he has asked the Senate Labor committee for more time to iron out the potential constitutional issues raised in Wednesday’s hearing.

The E-verify system allows for online screening to ensure that workers are legally eligible to work in this country. The bill calls for fines against any employer who fails to register or does not participate, but a question was raised on Wednesday as to “whether the employer would have access to due process.”

The Woonsocket Democrat, who is vice chairman of the Senate's Corporations Committee, said, “As each hour passes, it gets less and less likely” that the bill could be amended in time for consideration. But, he added, “I do not quit. I’m going to keep working on this.”

By an executive order Governor Carcieri issued in March to deal with immigration issues, state agencies and vendors began using the E-Verify system last month.

-- Journal staff writer Karen Lee Ziner

Posted by Brandie Jefferson  at 2:58 PM | Permalink

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