![](https://www.witf.io/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/AP_19246488700343-1620x1080.jpg)
FILE PHOTO: In this June 1, 2018, file photo ironworkers construct a commercial and residential building in Philadelphia.
Matt Rourke / AP Photo
FILE PHOTO: In this June 1, 2018, file photo ironworkers construct a commercial and residential building in Philadelphia.
Matt Rourke / AP Photo
Matt Rourke / AP Photo
FILE PHOTO: In this June 1, 2018, file photo ironworkers construct a commercial and residential building in Philadelphia.
(Harrisburg) — In a year, construction industry employers in Pennsylvania will be required to verify an employee’s legal status to work in the United States through a federal database called E-Verify.
Gov. Tom Wolf said Friday that he’ll let the bill become law. It passed the House and Senate overwhelmingly and takes effect in a year. The state already requires E-Verify to be used on publicly funded construction projects that exceed $25,000.
Under the new law, construction industry employers will be required to check an employee’s records in E-Verify. Employers are prohibited from knowingly employing someone who isn’t legally permitted to work in the United States, and a court could order a business’ license suspended for a second violation.
The state Department of Labor and Industry is tapped to investigate complaints.
Get insights into WITF’s newsroom and an invitation to join in the pursuit of trustworthy journalism.
The days of journalism’s one-way street of simply producing stories for the public have long been over. Now, it’s time to find better ways to interact with you and ensure we meet your high standards of what a credible media organization should be.