Pennsylvania E-Verify for Public Works Contractors

The Public Works Employment Verification Act, codified at 43 P.S. Section 167.1 through Section 167.10, requires every contractor and subcontractor performing work on a Commonwealth or political-subdivision public works project to enroll in the federal E-Verify program and use it to verify the work authorization of all new employees hired after award of the contract. Each contractor must execute a verification form attesting to compliance, and false statements can lead to contract debarment. The Act applies uniformly to public works across Pennsylvania and is administered by the Department of General Services. There is no statewide E-Verify mandate for purely private employment, but state-funded construction projects are universally covered regardless of municipality.

Knowing violations may result in suspension or debarment from public works contracts for up to three years, civil penalties, and contract termination.