Bill > HB2524

This bill establishes new criminal offenses related to the employment of unauthorized workers, defining "unauthorized worker" as someone without legal authorization to work in the U.S. and outlining a "pattern of systematic evasion of verification and reporting" as repeatedly failing to properly complete employment eligibility forms, examine documents, report wages, or maintain accurate employment records. It creates the crime of "systematic unauthorized employment" for employers who engage in such patterns, misclassify workers to evade verification, knowingly hire subcontractors employing unauthorized workers, or rely substantially on unauthorized labor, with violations being a Class E felony. A more severe offense, "aggravated systematic unauthorized employment," is created for employers who commit systematic unauthorized employment along with additional harmful practices like paying below minimum wage, creating false documents, maintaining unsafe conditions, retaliating against workers, or withholding wages, which is a Class D felony. Both offenses carry significant penalties, including restitution for unpaid wages and benefits, fines for businesses, and potential revocation of professional licenses and prohibition from contracting with the state. Additionally, the bill creates a civil cause of action for "unfair competition," allowing businesses to sue competitors who have been convicted of or proven to have violated these new employment laws, enabling them to seek damages and injunctions. The bill explicitly states it does not authorize discrimination based on national origin, race, ethnicity, or accent, and it is designed to be enforceable under state law without requiring federal cooperation.

Business and Industry

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/Default?BillNumber=HB2524&ga=114