Under current law, all businesses are required to participate in a federal work authorization program in return for receiving public contracts and grants in excess of $5,000 and public employers are required to participate in such program. This act requires all employers to participate in such program.

Under current law, it is a violation if a court finds that an employer knowingly violated a statute barring the employer from knowingly hiring an unauthorized alien. The act removes the requirement that the employer must knowingly violate the statue. Current law allows the employer to correct the violation. Under the act, licenses are suspended for 1 to 30 days for the first violation, for 30 days to 1 year for a second, and permanently for a third.

Costs incurred for participating in the program may be deducted from the business entity's taxes.

The act becomes effective January 1, 2014.

CHRIS HOGERTY