Employment Verification Act Passed to Full House

None by Eric Ray

(KCPW News) A bill requiring state agencies to verify the identity and employment eligibility of new employees will go before the full House after passing the House Public Utilities and Technology Committee this afternoon. The bill's sponsor, Republican Glenn Donnelson of North Ogden, says the bill will help cut down on identity theft.

"Identity theft if the fastest growing crime in the state. It's even faster growing than methamphetamine," says Donnelson, "and the state needs to lead out to curb identity theft."

According to Richard Hamp of the Utah Attorney General's office who testified at the meeting, more than 20,000 social security numbers are being used by two or more people with different surnames in Utah. In addition, more than 3,500 social security numbers belonging to children twelve years and younger were showing earned wages - a clear sign of identity theft. Donnelson says a variety of people are stealing identities - including those delinquent on child support payments.

"Deadbeat parents use false social security numbers to avoid child support payments," says Donnelson. "If a deadbeat parent doesn't want to pay, they'll get a false social security number and get a job someplace else, therefore flying under the radar of paying child support."

Donnelson's bill requires all state employers to participate in the federal employment verification program, and to keep accurate records of employee documentation. Donnelson says he has no current plans to move forward in requiring private employers to participate in the program.

Email to a friendPosted in KCPW Newsroom and 2008 Legislative Coverage. Copyright 2008 KCPW