Bill > SB1850

This bill, titled the "Oklahoma Taxpayer and Citizen Protection Act," requires all employers in Oklahoma to verify the work authorization of their employees upon hiring using the federal E-Verify system, which electronically compares an employee's information against existing government records to confirm their legal right to work in the United States. Employers must register for E-Verify, provisionally employ new hires until verification is complete, and cannot employ individuals who fail this verification process, known as unauthorized workers. Records of verification must be kept for at least three years or the duration of employment, whichever is longer. The Office of the Attorney General is authorized to investigate complaints of violations, with penalties ranging from a formal warning for a first offense to fines of $2,500 for a second offense and $5,000 for subsequent offenses, which can also lead to the suspension or revocation of state licenses and exclusion from state contracts for a minimum of one year. Employers can appeal fines but must post a bond equal to the fine amount, and the Attorney General has the right to enter business premises to investigate, though a warrant or subpoena is generally required. The act also prohibits cities, towns, or municipalities from enacting ordinances that hinder the Attorney General's enforcement efforts and will become effective on November 1, 2026.

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=sb1850&Session=2600