Columbia County Citizens for Human Dignity

The South Columbia County Chamber of Commerce, Rainier Chamber of
Commerce, and State Representative Brad Witt are sending a message to the
Columbia County business community following the passage of Measure 5-190:
“Sit tight and take no immediate action.”

The Chambers point out that 5-190 is still a long way from being implemented.
County Counsel Sarah Hanson found the measure to have “numerous flaws” and
stated that it may not be legal to implement some of 5-190’s provisions.
As written, 5-190 is unenforceable, and the County Commissioners must first
submit an implementing ordinance to the Circuit Court. With the possibility of
other legal actions being taken, implementation of 5-190 could be months
away.

“There is no need for businesses to take any immediate action. The best course
of action for businesses is to sit tight and take no immediate action as a result of
the passage of 5-190,” said Jackie Matthews, President of the South Columbia
County Chamber of Commerce. “Rash actions could unwittingly result in a
breach of non-discrimination laws.”

The Chambers sought to remind their members that it is illegal for employers to
go back through I-9’s and ask for more proof selectively from employees. It is
also illegal for employers to re-verify the employment eligibility of existing
employees under most circumstances, and also illegal to assume that particular
workers are not work authorized, or to make discharge decisions because of their
national origin. “We caution our members to not take actions that could be
perceived as discriminatory,” said Mathews.

If the measure is found to be enforceable, the Chambers will work with all of the
partners in this issue to provide information and education to our community
businesses regarding their specific responsibilities, and perhaps more
importantly, what they are not obligated to do.