Bill > HB226

This bill establishes the Legal Employment and Government Accountability Law, which requires employers to verify the legal work status of all employees before they begin working. Specifically, employers must either use the federal E-Verify program (an electronic work authorization verification service) or complete and maintain a Form I-9 with documents establishing both identity and work authorization. The Department of Labor and Industry is authorized to investigate and enforce these requirements, with a graduated penalty system for violations: first violations can result in fines up to $500 per unauthorized employee, second violations up to $1,000 per employee, and third or subsequent violations can lead to license suspension for 30-6 months and fines up to $2,500 per employee. The bill creates a special "lawful employment enforcement fund" to collect penalties, which can only be used by the department for implementation, administration, enforcement, and education related to the law. Employers who use E-Verify in good faith are presumed to be compliant and protected from penalties. The law is designed to be fully consistent with federal immigration and labor laws, and will take effect on July 1, 2025. The bill also ensures that employers remain obligated to comply with all existing federal immigration employment verification requirements.

Business and Industry

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC1663