Committee adopts amendment to HB 246 after proponents push for E‑Verify for construction jobs

House Bill 246 (third hearing) drew proponent testimony from union organizers urging mandatory use of the E‑Verify system on construction projects and tighter penalties for contractors who repeatedly employ undocumented workers.

Richard Ochocchi, lead organizer for the Ohio State Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters, told the Commerce and Labor Committee that undocumented labor “has been steadily increasing” across major Ohio cities and that undocumented workers do not pay into state systems. “For every undocumented worker, we are robbing our state and municipalities of tax dollars and allowing the contractors that are playing by the rules to be undercut by labor brokers,” Ochocchi said. He added, “I strongly urge your support for House Bill 246.”

The nut graf: proponents said HB 246 would protect taxpayers, raise workplace safety and create more…