Criminal Offenses - As introduced, creates the new criminal offenses of systematic unauthorized employment and aggravated systematic unauthorized employment; establishes the tort of unfair competition. - Amends TCA Title 29 and Title 39.

SB 2396 creates new criminal offenses for employers who systematically evade federal employment verification rules (like I-9 forms) or exploit unauthorized workers. It targets employers - especially officers, managers, or general contractors - with repeated violations, making it a Class E felony. Key mechanisms include mandatory restitution for lost wages, unpaid taxes, and benefits, plus fines of $50,000-$500,000 for businesses. The bill directly affects employers who fail to comply with verification requirements across multiple workers, with penalties extending to business owners and contractors. It also requires future compliance monitoring for convicted entities.