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Florida’s Push for Workplace Accountability

Meet the Man Behind the Bill

So, who’s lighting the fire under this new piece of legislation? None other than State Representative Berny Jacques. Yes, the guy from Pinellas County who’s making waves in the Florida House of Representatives. An attorney by trade, Jacques hails from Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and has called sunny Florida home since ’94. Currently residing in Seminole, he takes the role of Chair of the Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee.

The Legislation at a Glance

In the bustling halls of Tallahassee, Rep. Jacques put his name on HB 197. It’s a bill that sets sights on reshaping which businesses must use the E-Verify system. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill initiative—it’s designed to clamp down on the employment of undocumented workers.

What’s All This E-Verify Talk?

Now, if you’re scratching your head over what E-Verify is, let me spill the beans. This system is a federal tool that checks an employee’s eligibility by cross-referencing data from the I-9 form with records from both the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration. Learn more about it on the official E-Verify site.

Why It Matters

This bill isn’t just about paperwork. It’s about holding businesses accountable, ensuring American workers aren’t pushed aside for cheaper, unauthorized labor. Jacques says it best, “Florida will not be a state that allows our businesses to disregard American workers for the sake of illegal alien labor.” He’s pushing for every private employer to use E-Verify, starting in 2026, during the first tax return of the year.

The Bigger Picture

Presently, only businesses with 25 or more employees are mandated to use the federal employment verification system. HB 197 aims to close that gap, making it a requirement for all businesses, regardless of size. Talk about leveling the playing field.

Jacques’ Vision

For Jacques, it’s about time businesses play by the rules, investing in U.S. workers. “We have seen so many instances where businesses subvert the law,” he states, emphasizing the importance of having a legally authorized workforce in Florida.

Would this be a game-changer? Quite possibly. It’s definitely a step towards making sure the Sunshine State doesn’t turn a blind eye to the employment of undocumented workers.

Here’s hoping we continue to keep you in the loop as this story unfolds. After all, New Yorkers know the value of a hard day’s work just as Floridians do.

Snapshot of Key Points

Stay tuned for more updates, and don’t forget to check out these links for further reading:

• Current statutes
• E-Verify system overview