Senate Committee approves legislation to strengthen state contracting requirements

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Senate General Government Committee approved House Bill 3623 Thursday. Sen. Darrell Weaver, R-Moore, is the Senate author of the measure that ensures state dollars are not used to employ undocumented immigrants. HB 3623 requires businesses contracting with the state to sign an affidavit stating they are in compliance with the state’s electronic verification laws.

“Oklahoma taxpayers want to know exactly where their hard-earned dollars are spent and especially want to ensure they’re used judiciously. This bill ensures that state funds are not being used for the employment of individuals who are not legally authorized to work in our state, while also holding contractors and subcontractors accountable,” Weaver said. “Ultimately, we want to put protections in place, but we also want to make sure our citizens are a priority and that there are numerous career opportunities available to them.”

If contractors or subcontractors knowingly submit a false affidavit, they will be charged a $5,000 administrative penalty for the first offense and $2,000 for each subsequent offense. Violations of the provisions may also result in the termination of contracts.

HB 3623 received overwhelming approval in the House of Representatives, where Rep. Erick Harris, R-Edmond, serves as the principal author. The measure is now eligible for consideration by the full Senate.

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For more information, contact:

Sen. Darrell Weaver at 405-521-5569 or email Darrell.Weaver@oksenate.gov.