Criminal Offenses - As introduced, creates the new criminal offenses of systematic unauthorized employment and aggravated systematic unauthorized employment; establishes the tort of unfair competition. - Amends TCA Title 29 and Title 39.

HB 2524 creates new criminal offenses for employers who systematically evade federal employment verification (like I-9 forms) or exploit unauthorized workers. It defines "systematic unauthorized employment" as repeated failures to verify worker eligibility, misclassify employees as independent contractors, or knowingly use subcontractors employing unauthorized workers, making it a Class E felony. Employers found liable must pay restitution covering unpaid wages (based on FLSA or state minimum wage), taxes, benefits, and damages, plus fines of $50,000-$500,000 for businesses. The law directly affects Tennessee employers, particularly general contractors and businesses with patterns of evasion, and amends Tennessee Code Sections 39-13-301 and 39-13-317.