State Rep. Tex Fischer introduced legislation to require employers in the construction business to use the federal E-Verify program to ensure all workers hired in Ohio are legally authorized to work in the United States.

“This legislation is a win-win for Ohio,” said Fischer, R-Boardman. “It protects Ohioans from competing against illegal workers, who often undercut wages and produce lower-quality work and support law-abiding businesses.”

The bill was referred to the House Commerce and Labor Committee.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security operates the E-Verify website, which permits businesses to determine the eligibility of workers. It’s intended to stop companies from hiring those who violate immigration laws and / or enter the country illegally. All federal contractors must use E-Verify.

Fischer said his proposal would require all public works construction contractors and subcontractors for state agencies and local governments to utilize E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility as well as private-sector contractors except for those building one-, two- and three-family residential houses and for agricultural purposes.

Fischer said that was a compromise reached during meetings with various stakeholders in order to move the bill quickly through the state Legislature.

“It’s the starting point,” he said. “If we find people using illegal workers then we’ll tighten it up.”

A companion bill will be introduced in the Ohio Senate.

There are 25 states in the country that currently require E-Verify for certain public and private employers.