Senate passes bill to strengthen enforcement against contractors hiring unauthorized workers

The Senate took up and passed a House committee substitute that tightens enforcement against contractors and subcontractors who knowingly employ unauthorized workers in Missouri.

Sponsor explanation: The senator from the 15th said current law allows contractors to avoid liability by including a single sentence in a contract stating the subcontractor is not knowingly employing unauthorized workers. "All they have to do is have one sentence written on a napkin, and they are completely free and clear of any liability," the sponsor said, and described the substitute as fixing that loophole and giving the Attorney General authority to investigate and, upon a finding, seek injunctive relief such as revoking licenses or permits.

Floor debate included questions about the scope of the strikeouts and changes appearing on pages two through five of the substitute; the sponsor said the revisions were intended to strengthen enforcement and to ensure action occurs only after verification of immigration status by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Recorded action: After explanation and brief questions, the Senate conducted a roll call on third reading. The clerk reported the vote as 31 yeas, 0 nays on the final reading and the bill was declared passed.

Next steps: The bill proceeds pursuant to legislative enrollment and transmittal to the Governor as required by legislative process.