Clamping down Most Idaho employers aren’t following a 1997 law requiring them to report new hires to the Idaho Department of Labor within 20 days of starting work. Only about 30 percent of employers, mostly large ones, are meeting the law, although that accounts for about 70 percent of the new workers hired.

Here come the fines The department wants a law that would fine employers $25 for each missed deadline to a maximum of $5,000 for any one employer in a quarter.

What ‘s the big deal? Timely filing helps in two ways: It lets the department know who is working so officials can be sure those same people aren’t still collecting unemployment benefits, and its a way for the state to start garnishing wages for anyone who owes child support.

When’s the hearing? The Senate Commerce and Human Resources Committee will take up the proposal at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at the Capitol in Room WW54.