82(R) HB 202 - Introduced version

TO:	Honorable Byron Cook, Chair, House Committee on State Affairs

FROM:	John S O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board

IN RE:	HB202 by Solomons (Relating to requiring state contractors to participate in the federal electronic verification of work authorization program, or E-verify.), As Introduced

The bill would prohibit a state agency from awarding a contract for goods or services to a contractor unless the contractor and any subcontractors register with and participate in the E-verify program to verify employee information. The bill sets forth language that must be included in each contract with a state agency certifying that the contractor is not ineligible to receive the contract. The bill would require a state agency to refer a contractor that was ineligible to have the contract awarded or that has ceased participation in the E-verify program to the Comptroller of Public Accounts (CPA). The bill would require each state agency to develop procedures to administer the provisions of the bill.

The bill would require CPA to bar a contractor from participating in state contracts if the CPA determines the contractor was awarded a contract in violation of the bill's provisions, has ceased participation in the E-verify program, or hired a subcontractor to perform work under the contract who is not participating in the E-verify program.

Several agencies reported changes to administrative procedures or programming and additional contract monitoring would be needed to implement the provisions of the bill. Based on agency responses it is assumed any additional costs could be absorbed within existing resources.

LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD
Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 82ND LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION


April 13, 2011