Bill > H0252

This bill establishes comprehensive requirements for employers in Idaho to verify the legal employment status of workers. The legislation creates a new chapter in Idaho law that mandates employers use the federal E-Verify program to confirm the eligibility of new employees, with full implementation required by January 1, 2026. Employers must verify an employee's work authorization within three days of hiring and can face significant penalties for non-compliance, including potential suspension or permanent revocation of business licenses. The bill defines key terms like "unauthorized worker" and provides specific guidelines for proving legal work status, which can include documents such as social security cards, passports, and government-issued identification. Employers found to have knowingly hired unauthorized workers can face progressive penalties, starting with probationary periods and potential license suspensions, escalating to permanent business license revocations for repeated violations. The bill also allows residents to petition the attorney general to investigate potential employment law violations and grants the attorney general authority to bring civil complaints against non-compliant employers. Notably, the legislation includes provisions to protect employers who can demonstrate good-faith efforts to verify employee eligibility and includes safeguards against discrimination based on national origin, ethnicity, or race.

Government Affairs

State Affairs Committee (H)

https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2025/legislation/H0252/