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Pa. Expands E-Verify Database To Check Construction Workers Status

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - In a year, construction industry employers in Pennsylvania will be required to verify an employee's legal status to work in the United States through a federal database called E-Verify.

Gov. Tom Wolf said Friday that he'll let the bill become law. It passed the House and Senate overwhelmingly and takes effect in a year.

The state already requires E-Verify to be used on publicly funded construction projects that exceed $25,000.

Under the new law, construction industry employers will be required to check an employee's records in E-Verify.

Employers are prohibited from knowingly employing someone who isn't legally permitted to work in the United States, and a court could order a business' license suspended for a second violation.

The state Department of Labor and Industry is tapped to investigate complaints.

(Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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