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Committee hears bill to align state hiring rules with federal work‑authorization
Summary
Committee staff and supporters said SB 5068 replaces explicit references to lawful permanent residents and DACA with a single federal standard — that applicants must be "legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law" — adding retroactivity and an emergency clause; members asked for clarifying amendments on background checks and certification.
Martha Whaling, staff to the House Community Safety Committee, told members that "the bill before you, engrossed Senate Bill 50 68, removes references to applicants who are lawful permanent residents or in DACA status, and instead specifies that an individual who is legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law can apply for and be employed" in law enforcement and other public safety positions. The bill also includes a retroactivity provision for those employed on or after the effective date and an emergency clause to make its provisions effective immediately.
Senator John Lubbock (44th District), who sponsored the measure in the Senate, said the change will enlarge the pool of candidates at a…
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