Georgia Senate Press Office

RELEASE RELEASE

For Immediate Release: For Information Contact:

March 8, 2010 Matt Colvin, Broadcast Specialist
Matthew.colvin@senate.ga.g
404.656.0028

Sen. Judson Hill Announces Legislation Protecting Georgia’s Public Works Jobs

MARIETTA (Mar. 8, 2010) – State Sen. Judson Hill (R-Marietta) today introduced the Georgia Public Works and Contractor Protection Act (Senate Bill 460) to help safeguard taxpayer-funded jobs in Georgia. This important new legislation aims to clarify the existing legal process for obtaining public contracts and the employee eligibility verification system. SB 460 also establishes clear consequences for violation of worker protection procedures.
“This legislation sets up a fair and level playing field for everyone involved in public works contracts,” said Hill. “The legislation is intended to protect our taxpayer dollars, public employers, and law abiding public contractors, but most importantly help insure that Georgians get the public works jobs. What the law is missing are clear, straightforward and enforceable penalties for violators. This legislation provides real penalties which can be enforced.”
Hill’s legislation will streamline current Georgia laws relating to the public works system and create a simple-to-understand procedure for the contracting and hiring process. SB 460 also simplifies the practice of using the no-cost federal employment eligibility verification database called ‘E-Verify’. This requirement was established in the Georgia Security and Immigration Compliance Act of 2006 and provides that all public employers and their contractors must use E-Verify when filling public works positions.
“Since the 2006 law went into effect, far too many public employers and contractors have had to deal with confusing and misleading guidelines about their legal responsibilities and duties. I am confident this legislation will improve employers’ compliance and help insure that legal workers are employed to perform government contract work. ”
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Sen. Judson Hill serves as Chairman of Reapportionment and Redistricting Committee and the Republican Caucus Vice Chairman. He represents the 32nd Senate District which includes portions of Cobb and Fulton counties. He may be reached by phone at 404.656.0150 or by e-mail at judson.hill@senate.ga.gov.

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