Bill > H5313

This bill, titled the "Eliminate Illegal Immigration Whistleblower Act," proposes to add new penalties and enforcement mechanisms to South Carolina law regarding the employment of unauthorized aliens, which are individuals not authorized to work in the United States under federal law. Employers who knowingly hire or continue to employ unauthorized aliens will face significant civil penalties, including fines of up to $30,000 per unauthorized alien for repeat offenses, and may also be required to repay three times the economic benefit gained from such employment. Additionally, employers found liable could be barred from receiving state contracts or incentives for up to five years. The bill introduces a "whistleblower" process, allowing private citizens (relators) to file lawsuits on behalf of the state if they have information about violations, and they may be entitled to a portion of any recovered funds and legal fees. The Attorney General has the option to intervene and take over such lawsuits, but if they decline, the relator can proceed. The bill also grants the Attorney General the power to issue civil investigative demands to gather information during investigations, and clarifies that these new remedies are in addition to existing penalties and do not prevent the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation from enforcing current laws.