Legislative panel hears out firms on possible sanctions law changes

The Associated Press

Published: 01.25.2008

PHOENIX - Business people advising the Legislature on possible changes to Arizona's employer sanctions law recommended a series of protections for businesses on Thursday, but their suggestions might end up working against them.

The suggestions included prohibiting anonymous complaints to be made under the law and strengthening legal protections for employers who verify the employment eligibility of workers and complete employment documents already required under federal law. It also recommended raising the evidence standards for prosecutors to prove allegations against businesses.

Even as the special committee of business people recommended the changes, one member said the suggestions will be seen as an attempt to weaken the law and thus will hurt an effort to keep a more stringent employer sanctions measure from appearing on the November ballot.