The Ohio House approved a bill sponsored by state Rep. Tex Fischer 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.

After Wednesday’s approval by the House, the bill moves to the state Senate for consideration.

“E-Verify will help ensure that Ohio jobs are filled by Ohio workers, not illegal immigrants or individuals not authorized to work in our country,” said Fischer, R-Boardman.

The bill moved quickly through the House. It was introduced April 29 with the House Commerce and Labor Committee voting June 4 to move it to the House floor with approval given Wednesday.

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.

The bill 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.

The exceptions are for those building one-, two- and three-family residential houses and for agricultural purposes. That was a compromise, Fischer said, to move the bill forward.

The bill empowers the state attorney general to investigate suspected violations, issue notices of violations and pursue enforcement through the courts if necessary.

Penalties include fines, disqualification from state contracts for up to two years and license suspension or revocation.

State Rep. D.J. Swearingen, R-Huron, is the bill’s other main sponsor.

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.