Bill > A101

This bill, known as the "New Jersey Jobs Protection Act," mandates that employers in New Jersey verify the employment eligibility of all new hires using the federal E-verify program within 90 days of their hiring date, starting after December 31, 2009. The act defines "unauthorized alien" as someone without legal authorization to work in the United States and prohibits employers from intentionally or knowingly employing such individuals. Investigations into complaints of employing unauthorized aliens will be conducted by the Attorney General or county prosecutor, who must rely on federal government determinations for work authorization status. Penalties for violations are progressive, starting with a $10,000 fine per unauthorized alien for a first offense, increasing to $20,000 for a second offense, and $30,000 for a third offense, along with mandatory termination of unauthorized employees and probationary periods with quarterly reporting requirements. The bill aims to protect jobs for legal residents by deterring employers from hiring unauthorized workers, who are often paid substandard wages and may not contribute to state tax and benefit programs, thereby negatively impacting the state's economy and unemployment fund.