Honorable Byron Cook, Chair, House Committee on State Affairs
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB3735 by Cook (Relating to cooperation with federal agencies on a guest worker program in this state.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend Government Code to direct the implementation of a guest worker program to bring workers into the state during periods of time when no Texan workers are available, in cooperation with the appropriate federal agencies. The bill would require the program to be self-funding through individual and employer participation. The bill would require applicants to: pass a criminal background check; register with the appropriate state and federal agencies certifying the applicant's immigration status; and submit proof of health insurance coverage from the applicant's employer. The bill would require identification cards be issued to program participants. The bill would take effect immediately upon receiving two-thirds majority vote in each house. Otherwise, the bill would take effect September 1, 2015.
The Texas Workforce Commission and the Office of the Governor indicate that the duties and responsibilities associated with implementing the provisions of the bill could be accomplished within each agency's existing resources.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.
Source Agencies:
301 Office of the Governor, 320 Texas Workforce Commission