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Committee punts guest-worker bill to advisory council after change-backed hearing
Summary
A message-style bill that would let the state measure labor shortages and mirror federal guest-worker programs was not voted on; the committee chair referred it to an advisory council for further study and rule development.
Lawmakers and witnesses discussed a proposal aimed at allowing the state to identify labor shortages and, if federally approved, authorize a state-administered process to bring guest workers under rules mirroring federal programs.
Les Schneider and Representative Matt Reeves explained the bill’s chief aim: to “send the message to the feds” that Georgia believes it should determine how many guest workers the state needs. Representative Reeves said the bill would require employers to demonstrate a diligent search for U.S. workers, limit guest workers to the specific occupation for which a shortage was found, and add penalties for employers who misuse the program. “This bill is all about sending the message to the feds that the state of Georgia is better equipped to determine labor shortages than the federal government,” Representative Reeves said.
The substitute language imposes employer obligations including documented recruitment efforts, an obligation to report abandonment within three days, fines of up to $10,000 per violation for employing guest workers outside the approved job category, and a requirement that any program rules go through the Administrative Procedure Act and receive committee (House and Senate) approval before implementation.
Committee members asked how job categories and shortage determinations would be generated, how often lists would be updated, and which agencies would do the work. Witnesses and the sponsor said several state agencies — including technical colleges and the Department of Labor — could be involved in studies and enforcement, and that federal approval and funding would be required before the state could act. Representative Reeves said the bill’s regulations would not take effect until legislators approved them and federal permission and funding were in place.
Chairman Bonner said he would not take a committee vote and instead would refer the bill to the committee’s advisory council to develop recommendations and draft rules for the next session. Members and many witnesses urged additional study and stakeholder engagement before any state program could move forward.
