Bill > SB462

This bill mandates that all employers in West Virginia must register with and use E-Verify, an electronic system operated by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, to verify the legal employment status of new hires. Employers are required to provisionally hire new employees while their work authorization is confirmed through E-Verify, and they must maintain records of these verifications for at least three years or the duration of employment, whichever is longer. The bill defines an "unauthorized worker" as someone not legally permitted to work in the U.S., and prohibits employers from hiring or continuing to employ such individuals. It also grants the labor commissioner the authority to investigate complaints of violations, with escalating penalties for repeat offenders, including fines and potential suspension or revocation of business licenses. Furthermore, the bill clarifies that local governments cannot enact ordinances that conflict with the state's enforcement of these provisions and provides civil protections for employers who terminate employees to comply with the law.

Government Affairs

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=462&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill