Indiana AG Pushes Fairness Act Ahead of July 1 Enforcement

Rokita tours construction sites, warns employers of penalties for hiring undocumented workers

Apr. 16, 2026 at 10:50pm

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A solitary construction worker in a hard hat stands alone on a partially built scaffolding, the scene bathed in warm, cinematic light and deep shadows, evoking a sense of isolation and uncertainty in the face of new state immigration policies.As Indiana cracks down on hiring undocumented workers, the state's construction industry faces an uncertain future.Indianapolis Today

Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita is taking his message about the state's new Fairness Act directly to job sites, meeting with the Central Midwest Carpenters Union and touring construction projects. The Fairness Act, set to take effect on July 1, creates stronger state penalties for businesses that knowingly hire undocumented workers. Rokita said his office is already gearing up to investigate violations and is receiving tips about suspected employers.

Why it matters

The new law is aimed at cracking down on the hiring of undocumented workers, which some argue could worsen labor shortages and increase project costs. However, the carpenters union supports the Fairness Act, saying it creates a level playing field among contractors and prevents the exploitation of undocumented workers.

The details

The Fairness Act prohibits employers from knowingly or intentionally hiring or recruiting undocumented workers. It gives the attorney general's office the authority to investigate and sue employers who do. Employers found in violation can face fines up to $10,000 and temporary or permanent business shutdowns.

  • The Fairness Act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.
  • Rokita is already receiving tips about businesses suspected of hiring undocumented workers.

The players

Todd Rokita

The Attorney General of Indiana who is leading the push for enforcement of the new Fairness Act.

Central Midwest Carpenters Union

A labor union that supports the Fairness Act, saying it creates a level playing field among contractors and prevents the exploitation of undocumented workers.

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What they’re saying

“I cannot put people behind bars. I can make referrals to those that can. But they've given me authority, so we're going to be able to hurt people, where...the employers...where it hurts most and that's their pocketbooks.”

— Todd Rokita, Indiana Attorney General

“I've seen workers hanging drywall for as little as 15 cents a square foot and, if you do the math, that's not a lot.”

— Kyle Gresham, Central Midwest Carpenters Union

What’s next

Rokita said his office will be visiting construction sites across the state to ensure employers are following the new Fairness Act.

The takeaway

The Fairness Act represents Indiana's efforts to crack down on the hiring of undocumented workers, which some argue could have unintended consequences like worsening labor shortages. However, the law has the support of organized labor, who see it as a way to prevent the exploitation of vulnerable workers.