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Ark. bill would target contractors hiring illegal immigrants



Wednesday, December 6, 2006 2:46 AM CST

LITTLE ROCK - A legislator from Van Buren proposed banning state agencies from contracting with businesses employing illegal immigrants, but said he doesn't have any evidence of the practice occurring.



Rep. Rick Green filed a bill for the 2007 session that would require prospective contractors to certify that they do not employ or contract with illegal immigrants.

Prospective contractors also would be required to participate in a federal pilot program that allows employers access to government databases to verify employment eligibility.

"It's one thing for private companies to employ illegal immigrants, but it's another thing for the state to contract to someone using taxpayer money to do the exact same thing," said Green, a Republican. "The purpose of this is for the state to set an example and show good faith to our constituents."

Green, however, said he doesn't have any specific examples or evidence of government contractors or subcontractors that are hiring illegal immigrants.

"There's nothing to prevent it now," Green said. "I would guess there probably is ... We tend to check out our own agencies, but when you sign a contract you tend to think that it's their responsibility."

Green's bill is one of dozens filed before the General Assembly's 2007 session, which begins Jan. 8.