Topeka ? Employers who knowingly hire undocumented workers would face stiffer penalties under a bill by state Rep. Tom Holland, a Democrat from Baldwin.

“I have received complaints from business owners both within and outside my district regarding the ever-expanding use of illegal labor throughout our state,” Holland said.

Typically, he said, unscrupulous businesses hire illegal immigrants as independent contractors and then are able to under-bid other contractors.

The bill has been referred to the House Commerce and Labor Committee.