Bill > S1247

This bill, titled the Idaho E-Verify Act, mandates that "covered employers" in Idaho must use the federal E-Verify program to confirm the employment eligibility of new hires, starting January 1, 2027. A "covered employer" is defined as any public agency, or any employer with over 150 employees for at least 26 weeks in the last two years that has a contract with a public agency valued at $100,000 or more and paid partly with public funds. The E-Verify program, operated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, is a system to electronically check if an employee is authorized to work in the United States. The bill outlines enforcement procedures, including a 30-day notice period for non-compliance and potential civil actions. Violations, if found to be knowing, can result in orders to terminate unauthorized workers, a one-year probationary period with quarterly reporting, and the filing of a sworn affidavit. The bill also specifies defenses for employers, such as demonstrating good-faith compliance with the E-Verify program, and clarifies that it does not apply to the employees of independent contractors. The interpretation of immigration terms will align with federal law, and the Director of the Idaho Department of Labor is granted authority to create necessary rules.

Business and Industry, Government Affairs, Justice

State Affairs Committee (Senate)

https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2026/legislation/S1247/