PROVDIENCE — The now-familiar “E-Verify” proposal that would require Rhode Island businesses to check the immigration status of new hires returned to the State House last night for the third year running.

But unlike previous years when lawmakers have pitched the concept as a means of cracking down on illegal immigration, supporters now say the plan makes good economic sense.

“This is not an immigration issue, this is a jobs issue,” said House sponsor Jon Brien, D-Woonsocket.

Detractors are embracing much the same approach, calling the bill a bad idea in a bad fiscal climate.

“We don’t think it makes sense to be imposing a burden or condition on employers before they can hire people,” said Kelly Sheridan, lobbyist for the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce, which testified against the bill for the first time.

Sheridan referenced President Barack Obama’s recent remarks that the country should be doing everything it can to encourage private employers to hire people.

Supporters say the program only asks employers to enter basic information into a federal database. “Jobs are at a premium right now in the Ocean State and I think we want to ensure that Rhode Island citizens are getting any and all jobs that are available,” Brien said.

In all, about 50 people lined up to testify before the House Labor Committee last night. The committee took no action on the plan, though House Speaker William J. Murphy has indicated that the proposal will receive a floor vote. His chamber has approved E-Verify two years running. The bill has never passed the Senate.

Senate President M. Teresa Paiva Weed, often blamed for killing last year’s legislation, would not endorse this year’s plan when asked about it yesterday.

“Let’s wait ‘til we see what comes out of the House,” she said. “I’ve always said the bill will get a full and fair hearing on the Senate side.”

— With reports from Steve Peoples

cneedham@projo.com