PV council OKs measures to comply with sanctions law
By Ken Hedler, The Daily Courier

Saturday, November 08, 2008

PRESCOTT VALLEY - The Town Council Thursday routinely approved a trio of ordinances to comply with a state employer sanctions law that cracks down on hiring illegal immigrants.

The council voted 6-0 to pass ordinances dealing with business licenses, contracting and economic development incentives. Councilman Bob Edwards was absent.

The council followed guidelines that the League of Arizona Cities and Towns prepared to help municipalities to comply with the law, also known as the Legal Arizona Workers Act.

The act requires employers to verify the immigration status of prospective employees through the federal E-Verify program. Employers who knowingly hire illegal immigrants face the loss of their business licenses.

Provisions of the act involving business licenses, contracting and incentives went into effect Oct. 1, according to guidelines from the league. Arizona voters Tuesday rejected the business-backed Proposition 202, which would have weakened the provisions of the sanctions law.

The three ordinances went to the council for first readings Oct. 23. The council needed to undergo second readings before adopting the ordinances.

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