On Thursday, Gov. Bobby Jindal’s office announced that he has signed into law two bills designed to prevent businesses in Louisiana from hiring illegal aliens, and provides for punishments if they violate the law.
Gov. Jindal signed:
-House Bill 342 was sponsored by Rep. John Bel Edwards (D-Amite), and requires private contractors seeking business with a state or local government to use the federal worker verification system known as E-Verify.
-House Bill 646 was sponsored by Rep. Kirk Talbot (R-River Ridge), and requires all private businesses to use the E-Verify system or keep on file photo IDs of its employees as well as copies of birth certificates and citizenship documents or face fines for every illegal alien employed.
A first violation will result in a fine of not more than $500 per illegal worker; a second offense will result in fines up to $1,000 per illegal alien.
If a business commits a third offense, they would face the suspension of their work permit as well as fines not exceeding $2,500 per illegal alien.
The Louisiana Workforce Commission will be charged with enforcing the new laws.
Both laws take effect Aug. 15.
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