Relating to prohibiting the employment of persons not lawfully present; creating a criminal offense.

This bill would make it a third-degree felony for employers to knowingly hire people without legal work status in the U.S., punishable by up to 10 years in prison. It defines "person not lawfully present" as someone who entered or stayed in the U.S. illegally under specific Penal Code provisions. Employers cannot avoid liability by misclassifying such workers as independent contractors if that violates other labor laws. The bill is pending in committee and would take effect September 1, 2025, if passed.